Striking the TTP

The air or drone strikes by Pakistan’s security forces on TTP bases in Afghanistan, were a necessary measure. The Afghan Taliban regime, in spite of repeated requests and reminders by Pakistani authorities, were not willing to rein in the TTP from terrorist incursions into Pakistan. In fact, terrorist attacks from Afghanistan have increased many folds since the Afghan Taliban have come to power. Under these circumstances, the Pakistani authorities could not just watch the wrongful killing of its troops and innocent citizens.

Kinetic strikes within another country, is a high-risk manoeuvre, and is taken only when all other forms of persuasions fail to work. But Pakistani authorities have taken a wise decision to continue the dialogue process with the Afghan regime. Some in Pakistan, who were expecting a grateful Afghan Taliban, seem to be totally perplexed by how things have turned out. I hope we will be more careful in shaping our foreign policy in future.

Akbar Jan Marwat

Islamabad