Pakistan: Precision Over Propaganda – OpEd

Pakistan carried out airstrikes in the Eastern Paktika Province of Afghanistan against Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) terrorist camps in an operation that was decisive and planned to perfection. This operation, which has been both a matter of intense scrutiny and subject to misinformation, was important, designed and executed as a proportional, lawful and necessary response against militants of the TTP operating across the Afghan border. But contrary to false claims being advanced by some media outlets and the Interim Afghan Government (IAG), the airstrikes were precision targeted to avoid harm to civilians and Afghan security forces in the area. 

Pakistan’s history of thorns, a proscribed terrorist group called TTP. The group has repeatedly contributed to Pakistan’s instability by virtue of its being responsible for innumerable violent acts including suicide bombings, targeted killings and attacks on security forces. The TTP is one of several militant groups in Pakistan that have found sanctuary in Afghanistan, regrouping there and rearming to launch the cross border attacks that are becoming increasingly prevalent in recent years. Repeated diplomatic effort by Pakistan to press Afghanistan’s Interim Government on forbidding terrorist sanctuarization to no avail. Pakistan had no choice, but to exercise its inherent right of self-defense under Article 51 of the U.N. Charter, due to this in action.

The airstrikes stamped with surgical accuracy, to destroy the TTP training camp, and to rid the important question leaders, who direct and carry out training and terrorist acts. Commander Sher Zaman alias Mukhlis Yar, Commander Abu Hamza, Commander Akhtar Muhammad alias Khalil and Shoaib Iqbal were among those neutralized; all of whom coordinated and trained suicide bombers who executed the attacks on Pakistani soil. The operation was directed against camps notorious for terrorist activities and the largest concentration of weapons and ammunition for terrorist camps outside the camps.

Pakistan’s military has put out photographic evidence of their operation documenting the killing of high value targets and the destruction of terrorist infrastructure. While this evidence confirms the accuracy of the strikes it also puts to bed groundless claims of any civilian deaths. Meanwhile, local Afghan residents on social media have also further corroborated Pakistan’s claims that the strikes targeted only TTP elements.

Pakistan is defending itself firmly on the basis of international law, which attracts the right of sovereign state to defend itself against external threats. Specifically, Article 51 of the U.N. Charter allows the use of force in self-defense when it is attacked. TTP’s cross border attacks with 16 martyred Pakistani soldiers and many civilian casualties, clearly pose a clear and present danger to Pakistan’s national security. Pakistan has done what is required under the norms of international law by targeting TTP sanctuaries within Afghanistan, responding proportionately and as a necessary act.

Despite mountains of evidence that supports Pakistan’s claims, a handful of media houses and the IAG have printed claims of civilian casualties and indiscriminate bombing. This is mere and baseless propaganda with regard to Pakistan’s counter terrorism efforts. What is essential is separating out between military targets and civilian populations. Pakistan’s airstrikes targeted only TTP terrorists, no civilians or Afghan forces were hit.

TTP activities are a threat to Pakistan, Afghanistan as well as the wider region. The ideology of extremism and violence propagated by the group impedes long term efforts of lasting peace and stability in South Asia. In other words, Pakistan’s actions should be viewed as part of its broad commitment to worldwide counterterrorism, working with a common threat. Afghan Interim Government must bear the responsibility to prevent its territory from being used as a springboard for future terrorist acts. If Afghanistan cracks down hard on TTP sanctuaries, it will show its commitment to the regional peace and security.

Although the bombings were meant to tackle an immediate threat, Pakistan continues to take up concerns through diplomatic channels. It has repeatedly called on the AIG to take action against the sanctuaries of TTP and to stop cross border terrorism. Pakistan’s actions are not aimed against Afghanistan or its people, but against the terrorists who threaten both. Working together, Pakistan and Afghanistan can eradicate the scourge of terrorism and kick start a bright peaceful and prosperous future.

Following Recommendations:

• Pakistan and Afghanistan should improve intelligence sharing, and joint counterterrorism operations, to fight the menace of the TTP.
• The two nations must join hands to address the socio economic factors that strengthen the edifice of radicalization and extremism.
• International assistance in the form of finance and technology should be supplied to increase counterterrorism in the region.
• When it comes to spreading information about sensitive issues, media outlets must be careful and make sure they have checked their facts before reporting.