The Pakistani troops have deliberately been surrendering to the Taliban and terrorists in the tribal areas just to give the impression to the world that terrorists are more powerful and they cannot fight against them.
Some of the retired generals, who are corrupt to the core, have started a campaign against President Musharraf. They have been giving the impression to the people that Musharraf has surrendered to the United States. "The Pakistani troops cannot fight against their own men," a retired general said in a TV debate when asked why the Pakistani troops have been kidnapped without any resistence from their side. The general accepted the fact that the Taliban and terrorists are their men.
This impression is totally wrong that tribesmen have been fighting against the forces. Actually, Taliban and terrorists, who were brought to the tribal areas by the officials after 9/11, have been fighting against the government forces. The NWFP governor has hinted at the possibility that the troops may be withdrawn from tribal areas. It is interesting to note that most of the army men posted in tribal areas belong to the same areas. They can eliminate Taliban and terrorists if they are given a clearcut order.
An official newspaper in its comment discussed the issue in the following words: THAT a proposal is under consideration, according to NWFP Governor Lt General (retd) Ali Jan Aurakzai, to withdraw additional troops from the FATA and let tribal customs and traditions play their role in resolving differences is the right approach.
It is a pity, though, that the authorities abandoned the course of dialogue and consensus at the behest of the US, knowing full well that coercive methods would not work with our proud tribesmen. The sooner that proposal is put into effect the quicker will peace return to the region to the relief of the entire country.
For us to say that we will “take decision to safeguard our national interests” whether anybody likes it or not sounds like an afterthought. However, it is hoped that this policy prevails not only in the context of the tribal areas but also in other spheres of the nation’s life and the practice of accepting dictation from outside is discarded once for all. It is also important to stress the need for the tribal people to make sure that troublesome foreigners are not granted sanctuary among them.
The End
