The Switzerland of Asia is once again being projected in bad light like by vested elements who are exploiting and manipulating totally unrelated incidents in the recent past in Swat. It should be assessed that from becoming a hub of terrorists under TTP rule to a peaceful Swat with zero militancy, we have come a long way. But due to provincial government’s poor governance and its political priorities, Swat is again becoming chaotic.
Although there is no sign of any organized terrorist group on ground like in the early days but the few recent violent activities have raised many questions about the priorities and competence of the KP government.
*Issue of army check posts:*
Years back when the army had successfully pushed out all types of organized, non-organized terror groups and militants from ex-FATA and Swat. Pashtun sub-nationalist organizations and political parties like PTM and ANP raised issues that were more or less non-existent. They demanded the termination of army check posts in ex-FATA and different areas of KPK.
The only reason these army check posts existed was for security purposes alone and nothing more. Nonetheless the aftermath of these unjustifiable and unreasonable demands is evident today. Now these same Pashtun nationalist organizations are maligning the army rather than political government to whom this area was handed over after restoration of complete peace in year 2018. Is this not total failure of the governance of provincial government?
*Govt’s role in countering terrorism:*
The present security situation in KPK, especially in Swat is a clear indication that the KP government is incapable of handling the situation after military operations. It seems as if the KP government has some other important political priorities rather than containing the security situation of the province. PTI officials like Murad Saeed blaming the state for the security of schools and other areas in the city is totally frivolous. It is the responsibility of the civilian government to provide security and protection inside the province.
It should also be noted that the Chief Minister of KPK, Mehmood Khan has not once visited these areas which are affected by recent terror activities. To cope up with the situation the KP government with the use of police and Counter Terrorism Department should play their crucial role in governing the area. On the other hand, KPK government’s political priorities seems to be also beyond handling flood situation in the province. Even during the peak time of flash floods, KP government was busy in facilitating PTI jalsas and political campaigns rather than providing relief to flood affectees using their provincial machinery.
*Is Military Operation needed again?*
The current situation in Swat and KPK as a whole is not as bad as being propagated by political parties especially ruling PTI, it can easily be averted and cope up with, if necessary. Security precautions must be taken timely with close coordination with the military. The other option to eradicate these terror outfits is to bring in the army like before. Military operation can easily avert the security situation if its needed. The army has always been successful in flushing out terror groups from troubled areas. In the past successful military operations have helped the state restore writ in these troubled areas. Pakistan army successfully eradicated terror outfits from Swat during operation Rah-e-Haq in 2007 and Rah-e-Rast operation in 2009. However, like any successful counter terrorism operation, area after having achieved all stages of clear, hold, build was transferred to civilian administration which is then responsible to manage it through good governance and writ of the state rather than doing petty politics.
