War on Terror

After Afghan War 1979, due to change of policy Pakistan was left alone to deal with
around 4 million afghan refugees, gun culture, narcotics proliferation, rise of Jihadis
and religious militancy. FATA was being used as sanctuary by various warring Afghan
warlords who were fighting for the piece of pie. Rise of Taliban and Al-Qaeda in
Afghanistan further aggravated the problem. Non state actors emerged as a political
force and terrorism surfaced as a major challenge. The event of 9/11 proved to be a
turning point in galvanizing the world to combat this menace through unified and
concerted efforts. Pakistan has been suffering from the effects of terrorism for over
two decades, even before it became a global issue but the world has realized the
magnitude of this problem only over the past few years. UN adopted anti terrorist
resolution, which include the use of force, denial of safe heavens and the financing of
terrorists. US formed a coalition of nations to fight the global war on terror and
Pakistan joined the coalition for war against terrorism for its national interest.
Pakistani security forces entered into FATA in the year 2003 to prevent spillover of
operations from Afghanistan into Pakistan and stop miscreants, deny use of territory
for terrorist activities, open up hitherto no go areas and integrate FATA national
mainstream. Taking advantage of the proximity of border, rugged terrain, semi
autonomous nature of FATA, old Afghan war ties and common religious beliefs on
both side some foreign elements and Taliban have found sanctuaries in FATA. Four
pronged strategy was evolved, deploy forces to open up the area and carry out
military operation where necessary, initiate political process to take people on board
and bring the area into national mainstream, initiate administrative measures and
carry out development works. Since entering into FATA security forces have carried
out 161 major and minor operations against terrorists and achieved unprecedented
success. Over 3000 terrorists have been killed and almost 4000 apprehended. Over
1400 officers and men of Pakistan Army and Frontier Corps have embraced shahadat
in this war on terror which itself speaks the commitment of Pakistan and its
security/intelligence agencies in global war against terrorism. Military Operations
have created an environment conducive for the political process. Problem of Taliban
lies in Afghanistan. Taliban do have some support. Our efforts are focused on
effectively checking and eliminating this support. Over 4 million Afghan refugees
living in Pakistan have complicated this problem because these camps provided
sanctuaries to Taliban. Presently over 1200000 security forces ( Army and FC) are
guarding the 1100 check posts on the western border. Army was requisitioned by
Provincial government on 23 October 2007 in Swat and operation in Swat was

launched on 24 November 2007. Security Forces cleared the area and writ of the
government was restored by end December 2008. Operation was stopped due to Feb
2008 elections and on the directives of Provincial government. During this period
militants regrouped and strengthened themselves. Situation in swat worsened due to
lawlessness. Militants were involved in kidnapping of security forces, looting in the
area and other criminal activities. In July Provincial government against requisitioned
the Army for operation in the area. Security forces faced stiff resistance and carried
out operation in Swat. Over 700 militants were killed and 200 security forces
personnel embraced shahadat during six months of intense fighting in the valley.
Operation was stopped in February on the directions of Provincial government.
The Operation of Bajur is a great success story by security forces. Operation
commenced in Bajur in August 2008 following highhandedness by militants in the
agency. Over 1600 militants were killed in the operation including some important
commanders and foreigners while 86 security forces personnel also embraced
shahadat. Agency has been cleansed of militants and writ of the government has
been restored.