Internal threats facing Pakistan

Since independence some of the critics have been saying that Pakistan's real enemies are not the external powers but those who are tactfully embedded in almost every walk of life.

The worst evidence of these internal enemies was those who paved way for creation of Bangladesh. Since then there have been various groups working on fragmentation on the basis of sect, language and affiliation with some other countries.

Since Pakistan joined much talked about jihad in Afghanistan religious extremism has become a dominating factor. At times one is completely lost while listening to these groups and looking at their acts. Those who claim to be the stringent followers of Islam are involved in killing and sabotage. These groups have a mindset that they are the true followers of Islam and all others are not.

Therik-e-Taliban often takes pride in accepting responsibility of bomb blasts and sectarian killings. It is often said that they have followers among law enforcing agencies. The statement gets some credence because hardly any killer has been given any punishment. In fact the accused are acquitted because of insufficient evidence. 

While many are disturbed by the recent talks and acts, change in the stance of Pakistan Army demands due diligence. According to media reports Pakistan army has changed its operational priorities for the first time in eleven years and described internal threats as the greatest risk to the country's security.

The ongoing guerrilla war in the tribal area near borders with Afghanistan and armed attacks from different groups and elements on security installations and in cities were mentioned as biggest security threat in the new 'army doctrine.'

The army publishes the doctrine to review its war preparedness and capabilities in order to keep them on the right track. A new chapter, 'sub-conventional warfare' has been included in the "green book" for the first time. Without naming characters in the war, the book talked about few groups and elements and also mentioned cross-border attacks from Afghanistan.

The over 200-page green book is being distributed among military commanders and the military sources said that it would also be shared with the public and will also be posted on the army's website at an appropriate time.

According defence analyst Talat Masood, Pakistan army for the first time has admitted that the real threat is emanating internally and along the western borders and not from India, which was previously considered as number one enemy of the state.

One of prime concerns of Pakistanis is growing terrorist attacks by the groups having safe heavens in Afghanistan. Some of the critics say many banned out fits including Therik-e-Taliban Pakistan and Jundullah have 'other' motives to achieve, the worst being proving that the government has no writ. On this basis sooner than later a campaign for 'change in regime' may be initiated.

So far the groups having vested interest have been calling the incumbent government most corrupt. Lately, the honorable chief justice had remarked 'Balochistan government has lost the legal grounds'. However, instead of moving a non-confidence move, a resolution was passed against the speaker. Earlier the Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gillani had to step down and the name of sitting prime minister is still on exit control list.

Courtesy: The Financial Daily