TERRORISM, A CURSE

TERRORISM fatalities in Pakistan decreased by almost 40 per cent between 2016 and 2017, says a US State Department report (“Terror fatalities dropped by 40 per cent in Pakistan, says US report,” April 22, 2018, The Gulf Today).

In the recent past, no other country has suffered more from the curse of terrorism as Pakistan. Innocent people, Pakistani security forces, law enforcement agencies, Rangers, and police have sacrificed their lives. Especially our Armed Forces have paid a huge price with their lives during the recent operations (Sher Dil, Rah-e-rast, Rah-e-nijat, Zarb-e-azab and now Radd-ul-fasaad) in order to eradicate terrorism and usher in peace not only in Pakistan but also in the region. None can deny these efforts of the Pakistan security forces and in fact our armed forces have done what others could not against the terrorists. As a result, today the security situation in Karachi, Tribal Areas, Balochistan and throughout Pakistan has greatly improved.

The armed forces and the people of Pakistan are as always ready to lay down their lives for the defence of their country and fight against terrorism. Today, the capabilities of our Armed Forces are stronger than ever before as in the latest US Global Firepower Pakistan has been ranked in the top 15 powerful military powers in the world. Our motherland stands 13th out of 133 countries whereas in Islamic countries we stand in top 3 but we are the one and only Muslim country with nuclear power and number one intelligence agency of the world, a matter of pride not only for us but also for the Muslim Ummah. However, we believe in prosperity, peace and good relations with all specially with our neighbours as we are a peace-loving country.

The world and the US need to work with Pakistan to eradicate terrorism as it is a common threat for all the nations of the world but with trust and concerted efforts we can tackle the menace. We Pakistanis believe that the international community, US and Nato should acknowledge the efforts of Pakistan’s fight against terrorists. Abdul Fatah Brohi

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