The Great Game

A report released by the Foreign Affairs Committee of the House of Commons, while focusing on the causes of Britain's less than satisfactory performance in the fight against militancy in Afghanistan, also makes certain pertinent observations about Pakistan's situation, especially in the context of the War on Terror, which need comments.

It would be hard to deny that the Army continues to have a predominant role in the affairs of the state but, quite evidently, its causes are rooted in the ground realities that did not provide the civilian order an opportunity to assume an undisputed control for a period stretching long enough for it to become the norm of running the country. The Army intervened to assert its authority and upset the civilian applecart, barely when it appeared to have been properly arranged, like, for instance, Gen Zia's coup that ousted a most popularly elected leader Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. Thus, democracy could not find its feet in the politics of Pakistan. The present government, coming into office after eight years of General Musharraf's dictatorial rule and inheriting a bitter legacy, would need more time to take full control of its policies. Nevertheless, the report's apprehensions about the nuclear insecurity emanating from Pakistan are unfounded since its assets are now under strict command and control. It should have taken note of the existence of unsafe nuclear material in some other places of the world.

Pakistan is indeed crucial to a successful campaign in Afghanistan, as the report points out. Pakistan cannot be blamed for not doing enough to defeat the forces of militancy and extremism; it has stretched its resources to the maximum. However, important NATO countries have to overcome their reluctance to commit themselves fully to achieve the required results. Instead, the report aptly says, the drone attacks by the US are muddying the waters and by no means helping to win the hearts and minds of the tribesmen, whom Pakistan is left to deal with. Besides, nothing tangible is in sight about the promised economic and social development of the troubled areas. The longer it takes to deliver on the ground, the worse will be the situation on the War on Terror. Washington is also paying little heed to Islamabad's complaint that outside forces, New Delhi and Kabul, are interfering in Balochistan and FATA, aiding and abetting the insurgents. Unless the US corrects its own perspective, the countries that have joined up in this cause would continue to suffer along with it.