This is one of the difficult and painful pieces I am going to write for my readers.
Writing obituaries pain me a lot; I love politics and want to discuss political situations and politicians. I was sleepless the day when the recent tragic incident in Shangla Basham, resulting in the loss of six lives, including five Chinese engineers, occurred. I am in London, and here I met a few British Indians at a party, who also condoled the deaths of Chinese engineers in Pakistan.
I asked them about the alleged involvement of India in the attack. They did not defend their government and said that as the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan has claimed the attack, Pakistan had better talk to their “friends” in Kabul to rein in the terrorist groups.
We leave this task to Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.
The attack has once again shaken the nation to its core. This devastating suicide attack on the convoy of Chinese engineers traveling from Islamabad to Dasu Kohistan has left us mourning the loss of precious lives, including that of a Pakistani driver who was among the victims of this senseless act of violence.
The attack occurred when a vehicle full of explosives collided with the convoy on the Karakoram Highway, plunging it into a deep ditch. The repercussions of this cowardly act are profound, not only for the families of the victims but also for the nation as a whole. It is a chilling reminder of the ever-present threat of terrorism that continues to loom over Pakistan, despite the valiant efforts of our security forces to combat it.
In the face of adversity, our security forces have once again demonstrated unwavering courage and resilience. Earlier this week, the forces thwarted a terrorist attack on Pakistan Navy’s Air Base PNS Siddique in Turbat. While the exchange of fire claimed the life of Sepoy Noman Farid, all four terrorists were neutralized in the operation. This display of bravery serves as a testament to the dedication and sacrifice of our armed forces in safeguarding the nation against external threats.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s immediate visit to the Chinese Embassy to express condolences and solidarity underscores the importance of unity and solidarity in times of crisis. His commitment to bringing the perpetrators and facilitators of such attacks to justice is commendable and reflects the government’s resolve to combat terrorism in all its forms.
However, as we mourn the lives lost in these cowardly acts of terrorism, it is essential to acknowledge the persistent threats posed by terrorist organizations operating within and beyond our borders. The Tehreek Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Balochistan separatist groups, with alleged patronage from hostile neighbors like India, continue to pose significant challenges to our national security.
India’s malicious intent to destabilize Pakistan, undermine Pakistan-China relations, and sabotage vital projects like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) cannot be overstated. Evidence of India’s involvement in sponsoring terrorism in Pakistan has been presented to the international community on numerous occasions, yet decisive action against such perpetrators remains elusive.
The use of Afghan territory for terrorist activities, coupled with the presence of Afghan refugees in Pakistan, further complicates the security landscape. While Pakistan has consistently advocated for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Afghanistan, the spillover of violence and terrorism across the border continues to pose a grave threat to regional stability.
In the face of these challenges, it is imperative for all stakeholders, including the government, security forces, and civil society, to remain vigilant and united against the scourge of terrorism. Effective coordination and cooperation among relevant authorities are essential to address security gaps and counter emerging threats effectively.
Moreover, concerted efforts are needed to address the root causes of terrorism, including poverty, marginalization, and extremism. Investing in education, economic development, and social cohesion is crucial to building resilient communities that are immune to the influence of extremist ideologies.
We I am back in Lahore, I will visit the Chinese consulate to express my grief over the death of our Chinese guests. Meanwhile, as we confront the daunting task of eradicating terrorism from our midst, we must draw strength from our collective resolve and determination. By standing together against terrorism and its sponsors, we can overcome these challenges and build a safer, more prosperous future for generations to come.
