The army chief has categorically stated that corruption has a direct link with terrorism. Gen Raheel has an extensive intelligence network to help him reach the right conclusion. Democracy is not in danger as some political leaders and their lackeys assert. However, political dynasties with their politico-business enterprises may be on their way out. They have had their day. No man in his right senses would think of a military takeover in the current domestic sociopolitical atmosphere and international environment.
International terrorism is not an ideological war as some ‘pseudo intellectuals’ want us to believe. It is a tussle for wealth and power, which has now been transformed into a multi-billion dollar enterprise offering opportunities to the hopeless. Choke the funding trails, and terrorism would shrivel away. Foot soldiers and suicide bombers all belong to the ignorant and poor who are jobless. During the decade of jihad against the former USSR, billions of dollars were pumped in by the Americans – and matched equally by our friends in the Middle East. Madressahs proliferated from hundreds to more than 12,000 within the decade. Money trails continue even after the Soviets retreated, supplemented by bank robberies, ransom, bhatta (extortion) and drug trade generating billions of dollars. All this cannot happen without corruption. Corruption is a multidimensional terminal ailment with innumerable painful symptoms.
Brig (r) Usman Shah
Rawalpindi
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The army has done its bit of effort at ending terrorism. But as rightly asserted by Gen Raheel Sharif, the civilian side should also act in tandem with the efforts the army has been making to completely root out this problem. Ending poverty is one of the most crucial factors that can help achieve this result.
Terror outfits exploit the perceived injustice in our society and extreme poverty to their benefit and lull people towards terrorism. If the government targets this section of our population, promise them education, jobs and a sense of social justice, then terrorism can be overcome to a great extent.
Rameez Ali Mahesar
Naushahro Feroze