Terrorists strike almost every other day across the country despite our long war to win a fragile peace from the scourge of terrorism. Despite security forces’ efforts, the wounds of the terrorism are reopening. Earlier, terrorists would strike security forces but now a disturbing trend has emerged – a nexus between terrorists and smugglers, with customs officials becoming the new targets.
In this regard, the brutal killings of eight customs officers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa expose a calculated strategy. Terrorists, weakened by operations like Zarb-e-Azb, see these relatively unarmed officials as soft targets. This is a brazen attempt to not only disrupt law enforcement but also to secure funding through black money.
What should the state do? The response cannot be piecemeal. Cooperation and information sharing between departments is crucial. We need a united front against this unholy alliance of terror and greed.
The situation demands a tough strategy based on actions as words alone would not suffice. The crippling shortage of vehicles, weapons, and manpower within the customs department is a glaring vulnerability. This needs immediate rectification. 200 officials for a vast region are simply inadequate.
After years of fight, we better know that the fight against terrorism is a marathon, not a sprint. While recent operations have neutralized over 35 terrorists, vigilance must be sustained. Increased security measures, especially during night patrols, and ensuring advanced notification to law enforcement are steps in the right direction.
We yearn for lasting peace. Protecting our customs officials is not just about safeguarding the borders, it is about protecting the future. Let’s not allow this resurgence of terror to derail the hard-earned progress. We must act decisively, with well-resourced and coordinated efforts, to dismantle this deadly nexus and finally break free from the grip of terror.
