|
Pak-Afghan border amid tensions
April 29, 2011
Although Afghanistan shares a common religion, race, history, ethnicity and geography with Pakistan, yet the relations between both have never been smooth and remained estranged. The nature of Pak-Afghan relations saw many ups and downs in past decades and has always been flimsy and they are found in murky waters. Since Pakistan’s independence, there have been concerns and determination to have jovial and friendly relations between both the countries. The relationships between the two neighbors can be described as challenging and complex since the ending of Taliban government in Afghanistan and some 2200 kilometer Durand line could not be completed hence situation at Pak-Afghan border looks tense.
The latest incident that took place at the Afghan border was a militants’ attack at a check post in Lower Dir on Thursday. According to the reports, the militants opened fire on a check post in Maskani area near Pak-Afghan border early on Thursday morning, injuring two security personnel. The security personnel returned the fire the militants fled. The injured personnel were taken to Timar Gira military camp.
When District Police Officer Lower Dir Salim Marwat was contacted he opine that the attackers numbers was approximately 300 adding that on retaliation, some 20 militants got killed while the thing to be mentioned is that the firing continued for more than 24 hours in the Pakistani areas.
He said that nine officials of the scout, three police officials and two officials of Levies sacrificed their dear lives.
The Locals say that from their tone and speaking they are said to be Afghani. The gunship helicopters also came for their rescue. The locals further added that the attackers put the dead bodies on various donkeys and fed from the scene.
Such heinous incidents at Pak-Afghan border has raised many eye brows and questions. The question arises that the security at the Pak-Afghan border lies on the shoulder of Police or Levies or directly with the Pakistan Army. If Pakistan Army pickets were present then such number of causalities could never happened hence a very regretful incident.
We have also been informed that out of three police officials that were killed, two belonged to untrained community police Force (Special Force). This force government deployed which is untrained some months back for enhancing government writ in Malakand Division.
In such grave circumstances, untrained police must not be given responsibility to protect and maintaining security at the mountainous regions.
The In charge of military operation in Lower Dir, Upper Dir and Bajaur Agency Brigadier Nadeem Mirza said that the number of militants was 300 while other organizations have not given methodical details of the incident.
Unconfirmed sources say that rumors are also spreading that large number of security officials have been made hostage however nothing has been confirmed yet.
In such grave circumstances, wave of uncertainty has crept in the mindsets of present tribal. It is pertinent to mention that fighters with the support of India are creating hurdles in lawlessness in Pakistan so that attention of Pakistan Army and Security Agencies can be diverted to western borders.
According to experts and analysts, the Indian consulates at the side of the border are being linked to it hence providing foolproof security at the border is not easy for security officials but is the order of the day in other words.
On the other hand, following Raymond Davis incident, leaving of CIA Agents orders from the country speaks volumes of the fact that there is something fishy.
Inside Pakistan especially in Malakand Division due to Operation Rah-e-Nijaat, large number of militants have shifted to the area adjacent to the Pak-Afghan Border in Noristan. Information say that Maulvi Fazl Ullah along with his associates is present and is sending his men for terrorism activities gradually.
In such grave situation, it is the utmost responsibility of the government and security agencies to be on a red alert against the agents of the CIA and conspiracies of the Indian consulate.
It is need of the hour that Afghan Government must utilize the floor of the United Nations to raise their voice for stopping intrusion of terrorists sneaking Pak-Afghan border.
On the other hand, leader of a religious party JUI-F Ameer Maulana Fazl ur Rehman was attacked twice in a number of days and no group accepted the responsibility and no statement came which points out that terrorists have sneak out from across the border.
Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani said that security forces have broken the backbone of terrorists and the nation will soon prevail over this menace. He said while addressing jawans at the Kakul Academy. It is the need of the hour on the occasion that government must seek drone technology from United States while drone attacks in the country is a serious concern to the sovereignty of Pakistan with unremitting drone attacks.
Gradually but surely drone attacks are counter productive. In this regard under the aegis of Tehreek Insaaf a big public gathering was held on Saturday and Sunday at the Bagh Naraan in Peshawar. In the said rally, hundreds of people participated in it that resulted in closure of NATO Supply Line for two days.
tTe main supply route for NATO troops in Afghanistan remained close for last two days due to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) sit-in at Bagh–e-Naran against US drone strikes.
Hundreds of containers supplying goods for NATO forces in Afghanistan were parked in various places on G.T Road from Punjab province district Attock to Peshawar due to the sit-in.
The Chairman of Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) after gathering so many people sent a clear message to all the political forces of the country that time has come for the political guns to top blame game and point scoring. Imran Khan was present all the time with all activists amid open sky.
In short, there is dire need that government must reduce tensions at Pak-Afghan border with gigantic steps and understand the circumstances and then devise strategy to cope with it thick and thin.
|