Pakistan must not let terror disrupt election process

Four attacks in just a week as Pakistan prepares to go to polls to elect its federal government in about 10 days. Terrorism has reared its ugly head again and threatens to disrupt a democratic process that will only bring stability to the nation that has been lately facing trouble on the economic and political fronts. Friday’s twin attacks were a blatant attempt to sow chaos and fear among people. The first attack, in Bannu district in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, targeted the convoy of former chief minister Akram Khan Durrani. While Durrani is safe, four other people lost their lives. The second attack in Balochistan’s Mastung district claimed the life of Siraj Raisani, candidate of the Balochistan Awami Party, and of several others. More than 150 have died and far more are injured. And this comes just days after another election candidate, Haroon Bilour, was killed in a suicide attack in Peshawar. Why have there been such grave lapses in security? Why haven’t the police been able to keep its people safe?

The recent string of events exposes the unpreparedness of the authorities in providing security and safety to candidates and electorate. This is a seminal moment in Pakistan’s history. It is only the second time since its independence that one civilian government will hand over power to another after serving a full term. The transition is important. Pakistan is facing large fiscal and current account deficits, and declining foreign exchange reserves. It urgently needs billions of dollars to ward off a brewing economic crisis. The rupee is at an all-time low, and exports have fallen. A stable government is important to work things around and assuage economic pressures. The caretaker government of Prime Minister Nasirul Mulk must seize the moment. It must provide more security and protection to political candidates and to the people, and ensure elections take place without any threat or dangers. These attacks must not trigger further tensions, or lower the resolve of the people to come out and vote. Intelligence must be strengthened, and police and paramilitary forces must come together for the sake of their country.