Sir: This refers to recently published reports stating that security forces have launched a ground offensive in North Waziristan to root out militants. A large section of civil society and political parties had been calling for such an offensive for quite some time now. It seems the government gave the military the go-ahead for decisive action after continual attacks by the insurgents — the proverbial final straw being the kidnapping of a Chinese tourist. Now that the operation is in full swing it is time for the final battle of this long war. We have paid a huge price in blood and treasure. Fault lines within our society have deepened. The economy is being revived under the shadow of security threats. Governance has become indifferent and terrorists have waged attacked all over the country with impunity. The state is on the verge of implosion. It is time to act and save both state and society so that our future generations can grow up in peace. Khushboo Ahmad Islamabad