SPY EYES

Blocked roads, police check-posts and a heavy presence of armed forces has become the norm in northern areas of Pakistan. Terrorism has become so deeply entrenched in these areas that it is difficult to differentiate between friend and foe. National and International security analysts inevitably try to blame government’s policies and law enforcement agencies. But Pakistan might not be solely at fault for the pervading state of insecurity within its borders.

Over the years, some external forces have also influenced Pakistan’s internal security. There is a commonly held belief that America has a certain agenda for Pakistan, one that may not benefit the latter. Although the US has come to Pakistan’s aid in humanitarian crises and contributed to the uplift of social welfare, it has made some grave mistakes that have tarnished its image in the eyes of Pakistanis. The way Raymond Davis was able to get away with a double murder and the underhanded CIA operation to use the polio campaign to obtain Bin Ladin’s DNA samples are some examples of America’s ulterior motives. Many are now convinced that Baloch separatists are secretly funded by the United States.  Apart from these few incidents, evidence of American participation in violent acts is less obvious. While America may be aware of other foreign forces actively meddling in Pakistan’s internal security affairs, it has largely chosen to turn a blind eye towards these activities. Nevertheless, America’s dealings with Pakistan certainly have a role in instigating violence and hatred.

Most of all, it is the American  War on Terror in neighboring Afghanistan that has set in motion many events which can no longer be reversed and perhaps has created more enemies than allies. Pakistan’s support to this cause has angered the Afghan Taliban as well as indigenous extremists, who sympathize with their Afghan brothers.

The Afghan Taliban have suffered a loss in power and prestige with the installation of the US puppet Karzai as the Afghan President. In the eyes of the locals, Western occupation of Afghan territory risks their culture and values. Advantaged by Pakistan’s porous north-western border, Afghan Taliban have found it easy to travel between the two countries and take sanctuary in their safe havens in Pakistan.

Pakistan’s foreign policy decisions to support the War on Terror have dragged the nation into a war against the West. The Pakistani Taliban (TTP), who support the Afghan Taliban’s struggle, also detest foreign interference. They question the credibility and loyalty of the Pakistani government which has allowed US forces to (mis)use Pakistani resources, evidence of its non-Shariah underpinnings. Although the Afghan Taliban have not participated in TTP’s activities, the former has been used to attract recruits. Pakistan is therefore, guilty by association and some of its leading politicians and defense leaders are even “wajib-ul-qatal”(deserve being killed).

This battle for an independent nation, free from western influences acquires a new flavor when religion is used to justify its mission. It is now not a matter of wealth or prestige, but a matter of protecting one’s identity. Local terrorist organizations have used this to manipulate recruits in fulfilling their agendas. In a simplified version, it would seem like a fight between Islamic and non-Islamic traditions. But which type of Islam is being fought for? Minor differences have inflated into glaring barriers. As a result, local and external religious extremists continue to attack both Pakistani and Western coalition security forces and government representatives who fail to abide by their “authentic” version of Islam all the while losing innocent lives as collateral damage.

The other great conspirator against Pakistan’s insecurity is considered to be India. Just like the Americans, Indians are said to be encouraging anti-state activities. As regional powers busy themselves in finding a peaceful end to the Afghan War, India has transformed its hostile image into a benevolent ally of Afghanistan. It has not only contributed to the economy and welfare by investing in mineral excavation, construction of hospitals and scholarships for Afghan students, India has even started training the Afghan National Security forces. Pakistan may indeed be abundant in natural resources and boast a strategic geographical position, but all this loses its appeal when seen in the context of rising terrorism. Foreign projects have been declining simply due to the high security risk. In contrast, India offers a stable political environment and a well developed market to set up business and trade operations.

We need to also consider the ripple effect of counter terrorism operations on the overall security situation in Pakistan. The loss of innocent lives, destruction of livelihoods and hence, the rising cost of living has driven masses to opt for violent means to convey their resentment and ensure affirmative action. Unfortunately, many people have been misguided in joining militant organizations like Lashkar-e-Jhangvi and Tehrik-e-Nefaz-e-Shariat-e-Muhammadi. Although these are local organizations which operate domestically, funding sources of these organizations may extend beyond the borders of Pakistan. Their unlimited supply of weapons is a source of immense concern to the authorities. Some speculate that anti-Shia organizations are secretly supported by Saudi Arabia while anti-Sunni organizations are backed by Iran.

Terrorism breeds terrorism, and when the basis of a conflict is upon normative concepts of religion and faith, law enforcement agencies have to be extra cautious in dealing with terrorists. Pakistan’s politicians and law enforcers in addition to foreign powers, who like to censure Pakistan for the uncontrollable level of terrorism, would do well to keep in mind these complexities before passing out any judgment. This should in fact help them in developing a more comprehensive national counter terrorism strategy.

By Ahsan Waheed