SHAFAQNA PAKISTAN (Shia News Agency)
On Thursday, Gen Raheel Sharif and Air Chief Marshal Tahir Butt visited North Waziristan to review progress in the sweep against militant groups based there. The same day, the Jamaatul Ahrar and Laskhar-i-Islam announced that they would be uniting with Maulana Fazlullah under the banner of the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan. The announcement served as a reminder that despite nine months of military operations in Fata, the leadership of the Pakistani Taliban continues to operate unfettered.It makes sense for the militant groups to unite: they can pool resources and offer clear organisational branding under which to attract new recruits and funding. The unified stance matters at a time when transnational jihadi groups such as the Islamic State and Al Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent are said to have a presence in the region, competing for fighters and financial support.It is also an effective way to defy the Pakistan military, which has long used divide-and-conquer strategies against militant groups. But for Pakistan this means more brutal attacks — and with less militant infighting, the onslaught will be more intense. Two other developments also highlighted that the goals of the plan contradict Pakistan’s foreign policy agenda. Unfortunately, in matters of violent extremism and terrorism, there cannot be a disconnect between internal and foreign policymaking — the militant landscape does not have convenient borders. News leaked that Pakistan has told the Afghan Taliban to overcome internal divisions to ensure the success of negotiations with the government in Kabul. Pakistan’s role in facilitating these negotiations is repeatedly described as key, but it once again raises questions about the distinction between good and bad Taliban, particularly with reports of collusion between the Afghan Taliban and the TTP. Despite commitment from Army Chief to eradicate terrorism, Pakistan’s political leadership seems quite lethargic to approve NAP. It is becoming clear that the real threat are not insurgents or terrorists but lack of political will to fight out terrorism.
pakistan.shafaqna.com
