As the federation faces an external threat at a time of degrading interprovincial harmony, the polity braces for impact due to internal secessionism and external aggression. Reports of exchanging gunfire and mobilisation of equipment along the line of control present an alarming situation for the fragile truce that existed since 2019. On the other hand, events unfolding on a daily basis on the north and western frontiers of Pakistan present a bleak situation. Presently the situation harkens to decisive action and a broad consensus of all stakeholders to decide the course of action to contain the beast of terrorism, politico-religious fundamentalism, and warmongering.
As tensions rise and cautions issued by global powers to exercise restraint, voices across the border have collectively transformed into chants for war. Extremist quarters of Indian society have called upon their government to ‘stop the water’ from flowing into Pakistan and organised protests in international jurisdictions to voice their displeasure with the Pakistani state. As opposed to calling investigations to trace the perpetrators of this deplorable attack, the Indian state has turned its canons towards its traditional rivals.
Although Modi and Co have expressed their anger and frustration by adopting diplomatic countermeasures (in breach of international law), they have yet to decide on a kinetic course of action. The dilemma lies in the status of the Indian state as an emerging global power, whereby any misstep or misadventure may result in flak from the international community. The situation is further complicated by recent engagements of Indian intelligence agencies in covert escapades within international jurisdictions (including those on Pakistani soil).
The escalation towards full blown conflict between Pakistani and Indian armed forces comes at a time of internal strife caused by secessionist and terrorist groups operating within Baluchistan and KPK. While precious lives of Pakistani citizens are reduced to numbers on the Global Terrorism Index, the alarming reality of an explosive internal conflict has paralysed life in Pakistan. Commentators and political pundits have rushed to caution the government of Premier Sharif and request contingency measures to contain the deteriorating state of affairs in Baluchistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The unprecedented hijacking of a train travelling from Quetta to Peshawar along with frequent suicide bombings represent the growing boldness of a local terrorist outfit that gained international coverage. Although the superiority of our armed forces resulted in a successful operation, the length of this operation and the element of surprise left many scratching their heads regarding the complexity and planning involved in hijacking the Jaffar Express train.
The insensitivity of certain members of the polity towards the martyrdom of people aboard Jaffar Express and tacit support to the cause of the Baluchistan Liberation Army signals the vulgar polarisation that has scorched the provinces of Pakistan. The individuals serving the cause of defending against the relentless onslaught of armed secession are not only derided for political affairs but are condemned for the very duties they perform.
It may be prudent for the federal government and the armed forces to direct their energies towards developing a strategy to contain the Indian threat and capitalise on positive optics to win support from domestic opposing factions. The notion of territorial sovereignty must stand absolute, and the federal government must navigate tensions through diplomatic means internally, while preparing itself for any unprovoked aggression from our dear neighbours in the East.
Warring factions of the TTP and IS(K) fight to establish their own fiefdoms within KPK. It seems that the ever-changing policy concerning the ‘Afghan Problem’ has finally bore fruit ( poisonous as ever). Those sitting in Kabul now deliver precious resources and training to troublesome militants fighting on the Western frontiers of Pakistan at the behest of their masters sitting towards the East of Pakistan.
One wonders how the rules of the game did not change much earlier, when legitimate movements for greater rights across Baluchistan and KPK were met with unwarranted oppression, such that the local populations of these provinces have grown bitter with hate and discord. Since the federal government has taken on the herculean task of ‘fixing Pakistan,’ it may consider engaging the legitimate concerns of the Baluch and Pakhtun citizens rather than sidelining and marginalising them.
The blaze of discontent and anger has also spread to the province of Sindh due to the canal projects that are being incubated under the patronage of the Punjab government to facilitate corporate farming. Many expressed a sigh of relief when the project was suspended to deliberate the matter at the Council of Common Interests. For a moment it appeared that the federal government had resolved to draw lines of fire along every border of each province and frontier. Yet saner heads prevailed or were rather made to prevail in the face of province-wide protests and demonstrations that had effectively choked trade and transit.
It may be prudent for the federal government and the armed forces to direct their energies towards developing a strategy to contain the Indian threat and capitalise on positive optics to win support from domestic opposing factions. The notion of territorial sovereignty must stand absolute, and the federal government must navigate tensions through diplomatic means internally, while preparing itself for any unprovoked aggression from our dear neighbours in the East.
