National Action Plan : Our Responsibilities

In the aftermath of horrific terrorist attack at Bacha Khan University Charsadda, the outcry against the National Action plan was predictable. Many factors contributed in letting that terrible attack happen. It was, indeed, because of the inadequate security measures taken by the University administration as well as the inability of Provincial Government to force the Institutions to beef up their security ;owing to the credible information by Intelligence agencies about a possible attack on any Educational Institute in KPK, almost ten days before it.It can also be termed as a failure in bridging gaps of communication between different military and civil administration departments. After the massacre in Army school in Peshawar, whole Nation was eagerly waiting for a decisive action plan to counter militants and to end this bloodshed. The civil military unity at that time was seen as a great omen but with passage of time, some other issues raised their heads. Political parties with vicious militant wings didn’t want that happen so they started making hurdles. Some banned organizations who have been on a killing spree for decades, opposed this plan and unknowingly both religious and so called liberal extremists lined themselves as a same group. But the strict action against Militant wings in Karachi and at the same time, demise of Lashkar e Jhangvi’s head, Malik Ishaq, proved that the strategy is to kill, not spare anyone. There remained no liabilities; assets were compromised. Under the same National Action plan, National Accountability Bureau( NAB) , was given a free hand to grab big fishes. From DHA scams to decaying Departments in all the provinces, every corrupt thing is vulnerable now; stands at the mercy of accountability.Those who looted each penny from National Treasure ran away to their Palaces in Dubai and US while some who were famous for brutal killings, long hidden in London. There had been a significant decrease in terror attacks across the country. Tides were turned. Beacons of hope were lit and at last the people of Pakistan learned to dream about a safe and peaceful country. But it was in 2015. Being optimistic; I’m not saying that this can't continue but just let us think what went wrong and how the same rate of success can still be maintained.

There were considerable wide gaps between what was planned and what really done. NGOs reforms, Madrassah Reforms processes took so long and they are still at dead pace. Why is NACTA still not active? Is funding to all militant organizations have been cut down completely? Reforms in criminal court system? And above all the why there are still communication problems between Civil and Military departments?

Then comes the role of Public. It is quite clear that no Army can win a war without strong backing and unshakable resolve of its own people. What role should have been played by us and what we did? Pathetically, we were so quick to make fun of Ch Nisar [ referring to Tandoor and Bread example ], even when he was reminding us of our obligatory duty to keep an eye on any suspicious activity around us so that any imminent attack could be thwarted but senselessly we responded by cracking jokes on him. That is just one example.Pakistan needs its people.We should form committees on every level for security of our colonies and houses ; leave no stone unturned in doing best to never let bad events happen by at least keep our eyes and ears open .We, as one Nation, has to stand up now against this menace to completely wipe it out before it is too late.

It is important for everyone to understand that we are living in difficult times. We are in a state of war with many fronts. Some fronts were opened by ourselves while many were opened against us by those enemies whom Gen Asim Bajwa referred to as “ Faceless Bastards”, although they are no faceless. We know our enemies and must find ways to get us out of this quagmire. Let’s split this NAP into facets. Every stakeholder, including Government, Army, Public, Bureaucracy and other departments, have to play their role, control their facet in every aspect possible and with these collective efforts, we can make Pakistan a peaceful country. May Allah bless Pakistan with His Blessings. Pakistan Zindabad !