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Fight against militancy

Political leadership should take the lead, says Sherpao

* Ex-interior minister says army’s overstay in troubled areas can prove counterproductive

By Irfan Ghauri

ISLAMABAD: The political leadership should take the lead in the ongoing anti-militancy campaign as the military operation is only one component of the war against terrorism, former interior minister and Pakistan People’s Party-Sherpao (PPP-S) Chairman Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao has said.

In an interview with Daily Times, Sherpao said the recently launched military operation in South Waziristan would be the most difficult campaign against militancy in view of the geography of the area, which was bastion of terrorists and home ground of militant outfit Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

“There are a number of factors… the winters have already set in leaving limited time for the army to hold ground. The area is hometown of TTP chief Hakimullah Mehsud and his predecessor Baitullah Mehsud. The foreign militants would fight till death… They (militants) are well-prepared to fight the battle in mountains and jungles,” he said.

Militants’ resurgence: The former interior minister said the Swat and Malakand operation couldn’t be termed a success story since the civil administration hadn’t so far been able to assert itself in the area, and process of rehabilitation had not yet begun.

“Both the federal and provincial governments own success in Swat but if there will be a resurgence of militants, they will blame it on the army. The civil administration should take over the areas cleared (by army),” he said.

Lack of co-ordination among intelligence agencies: Sherpao said there was lack of co-ordination among the country’s intelligence agencies. “These agencies do not work in co-ordination.”

Re-activation of political administration: The former interior minister said Tribal Areas had no political administration, which should be restored, as without taking effective administrative measures, sustainable peace in the area would be impossible.

The Pakistan People’s Party-Sherpao chairman said drone attacks in South Waziristan would have a negative bearing on the ongoing military operation and would damage the cause. “Once the tribesmen see the army winning the war, they will come to the government’s side given that they’re given security,” he said.

Sherpao said despite commitments, the Friends of Pakistan provided just Rs 27 billion of which the federal government had released Rs one billion for the relief and rehabilitation of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) of Swat. “Pressure should also be on our friends and allies to extend support,” he said.

Former interior minister said the US and its allies should have accepted the results of Afghan elections and allowed President Hamid Karzai to continue instead of settling on runoff polls.

He said Pashtoons on both sides of the Pak-Afghan border supported Karzai. “The situation in Afghanistan will be an important factor. They should have accepted the results instead of going for a runoff (elections). They haven’t taken a right decision. Next one month would be crucial,” he said.

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