Making distinctions

This refers to the article, ‘The Pakhtun profiled’ (Feb 28) by Abdul Sattar. The writer has rationally elaborated on the issue. The trend of dehumanising Pakhtuns in Pakistan is as old as the state itself. They are typecast and profiled racially and ethnically. The recent terror attacks have claimed nearly 200 lives in 12 days. The militant outfits have become stronger and unified despite major operations by the security forces.

Meanwhile, the state’s law-enforcement agencies and the mainstream media have sparked a feeding frenzy by equating Pakhtuns with terrorists and their facilitators. The Punjab police has reportedly asked citizens to report any person of Pakhtun descent to them. Do the masterminds of transnational terror attacks live only in the Pakhtun belt? If terrorists are a threat to the world’s peace and stability, is it a crime to disclose terrorists’ whereabouts to the world? This blatant sweeping generalisation defies logic and is based on faulty racial profiling and micro aggressions against specific ethnic population. This illogical, misdirected initiative could boomerang paving the way for the breakdown of public and police liaison, which serves an integral component of counterterrorism strategies. It is time that the state came up with viable, concrete counter extremism and terrorism measures, targeting them without making distinction. Terrorists are our common enemies and we must present a united front against them. Xenophobia and racism trump the romanticism of Pakistan’s unity as a stable and strong federation.

Saeed Ullah Khan Wazir      

Baka Khel Wazir

*****

In 2015, the Pakistan Army launched Operation Zarb-e-Azb against terrorists in North Waziristan and killed hundreds of them. After the retirement of General Raheel Sharif, the country was once again hit by a wave of terrorism. Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa has launched Operation Raddul Fasaad across the country and killed hundreds of terrorists. No doubt, this operation is necessary for eliminating terrorism and rehabilitating peaceful situation, but it cannot prove to be long-lasting. There are 64 crossing points of the Pakistan-Afghan border and only 16 crossing points are legal. A large number of Afghans and terrorists follow the illegal ways to cross border. So, the government should establish check posts at all the crossing points. The secured border can play a pivotal role in sustaining peace in the country.

Wali Ejaz Nekokara

Chiniot