By S.M. Inam
In the restive region of North Waziristan’s Spinwam, Pakistan’s security forces have once again demonstrated their commitment to combating extremism, conducting three separate operations that resulted in the neutralization of ten extremists and the injury of six others. The operations, which were intelligence-based and carried out with precision, targeted the hideouts of violent militants responsible for attacks on both security personnel and innocent civilians. The successful outcome of these operations has drawn praise from top political leaders, including President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, People’s Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, and Federal Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi. These figures have commended the security forces for their continued efforts to root out terrorism and restore peace.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), ammunition and weapons were seized during the operations, and clearance activities are ongoing across the area. Minister Naqvi underscored the operation’s significance, hailing it as a decisive blow against the militants and reaffirming the nation’s unwavering confidence in the security forces. “We will not allow terrorists to find refuge anywhere in Pakistan,” he stated, emphasizing the country’s determination to ensure that extremists are unable to exploit the region’s security vulnerabilities. In a notable development, one of the operations thwarted an infiltration attempt from Afghanistan, highlighting the strategic importance of the border and the continuing threat of cross-border incursions. This serves as a reminder of the complex security situation Pakistan faces, exacerbated by its history as a frontline ally in the U.S.-led Afghan conflict.
The consequences of this alliance have been profound, as militant groups that initially found sanctuary in Afghanistan have targeted not only Pakistan’s civilian population but also its security forces. The void in stability left by Afghanistan’s turbulent political history allowed adversaries, particularly India, to capitalize on the situation, allegedly supporting separatist groups and fueling extremism. The role of India in exacerbating Pakistan’s security challenges cannot be understated. Reports have suggested that India has funded and trained militant factions, further complicating Pakistan’s internal security issues. Meanwhile, Afghanistan’s former and current regimes have been accused of offering lenient stances toward these groups, providing them with an operational foothold that has directly affected Pakistan’s border security and overall stability. The security forces’ vigilance, especially in high-risk areas like Waziristan, continues to play a critical role in neutralizing these threats.
Pakistan’s security challenges have become even more pronounced with the rise of extremist attacks targeting the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project that is central to Pakistan’s economic future. Extremists, motivated by a desire to sabotage the deepening economic ties between Pakistan and China, have increasingly targeted Chinese engineers and nationals. These attacks, if left unchecked, could undermine not only Pakistan’s economic ambitions but also its relationship with one of its most important international allies. The threat to CPEC, coupled with the ongoing instability in Balochistan and the activities of Baloch separatist groups—allegedly backed by India—illustrates the broader geopolitical challenges that Pakistan must navigate. In light of these threats, the resilience of Pakistan’s military stands as a beacon of hope. The armed forces continue to protect the nation’s borders, neutralize hostile forces, and thwart plans aimed at destabilizing the country.
But the path to lasting peace remains fraught with challenges. While these military operations are essential, the eradication of extremism in all its forms will require a comprehensive and sustained effort. Pakistan’s security forces, along with the unwavering support of the nation’s people, must continue to work in tandem to secure a future free from the scourge of terrorism. True peace will only be achieved when these hostile actors are completely eliminated from the region, and Pakistan’s sovereignty is fully restored. Until then, the commitment of the armed forces and the solidarity of the people will remain the cornerstone of the country’s efforts to reclaim stability and ensure a safer, more prosperous future. The recent operations in North Waziristan serve as a testament to this resolve, showing that while the road to peace may be long and difficult, Pakistan’s determination to fight for its future remains unwavering.
(The writer is a senior analyst on national international affairs, can be reached at inam@metro-morning.com)
