From Our Correspondent
KARACHI: Marred by innumerable challenges, including terrorism, the country received a lifeline shortly after the launch of Operation Raddul Fasaad.
Initiated on army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa’s watch, the nationwide military operation, analysts say, has achieved several goals since 2017. “This ongoing operation has reduced terrorism and restored peace across the country. That has had a significant impact on the economy and overall situation in Pakistan,” defence analyst Lieutenant General (retd) Amjad Shoaib said. Now, in its fifth year, the broad-ranging operation, the expert said, has successfully eliminated innumerable domestic and foreign threats to the nation. “The elimination of terrorism has restored confidence in Pakistan, investors want to do business once again, and above all our citizens have safer cities,” he explained.
Data shows that over the past five years – particularly since the onset of the military operation, more than 1,200 extremists have been caught, more than 78 terrorist organisations and leading terrorists have been eliminated, an innumerable terror plans have been preempted.
On the daunting operation, Shoaib said: “Given the regional situation, and the involvement of several foreign countries in sponsoring terrorism, I don’t see a timeline for the end of this operation. It will continue for some time.”
Under a comprehensive operation that is being executed by the military, Pakistan secured its western front with fencing and the construction of border forts.
“The fencing of the border is another daunting task that was completed by the military to prevent terrorism. However, it does not provide complete or absolute security,” another senior defence analyst said.
In a bid to curb terrorist activities, more than 40,000 police and 20,000 security officials have been trained by the military since 2017. Similarly, many of the captured terrorists were tried under Military Courts.
With peace restored and the cities safer, the country recorded higher number of tourists. As of 2020, official figures show tourism in the country has increased by more than 300% since 2017. A senior travel consultant described the increase in tourism as a dividend of peace.
Military leadership
When asked to evaluate the current military leadership’s performance against the heavy odds, Shoaib said: “General Qamar, through the operation, has managed to restore peace. It has been a success. However, the political challenges remain. As an army chief he has had to deal with a very unstable political leadership and that is a significant challenge. As an army chief, Gen Qamar has had to walk a very tight rope.”
Threats from India
Over the past five years, particularly after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s reelection, New Delhi has been increasingly aggressive in its narrative against Pakistan. The Indian government, directly and indirectly, has sponsored a media campaign to malign Pakistan’s reputation and project it as a failed state before the western audience. In 2019, the Modi government was caught by surprise when Pakistan responded to the failed attempts by Indian jets to enter its airspace. One of its jets was downed and its pilot, infamous Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, was captured. When asked how the entire situation was handled, Shoaib said: “Pakistan acted like a responsible state. Its action and reaction were both measured and impactful.”
