Recent security concerns have increased social tension in Pakistan. Pakistan’s decision to become the US ally in ‘war on terror’ was followed by an intense wave of terrorism, engulfing the entire country. A planned attempt to destabilize the state institutions is in progress. Suicide attacks on security forces, targeting personnel of law enforcing bodies and damaging government possessions are common these days. All such disruptive acts are instruments of foreign funded militants who are pursuing their state wrecking agendas.
Few days ago, I read a letter in a leading national newspaper criticizing the security policy of Naval and PAF complexes regarding E-7 and E-8 sectors of Islamabad, blaming that although the taxpayers’ money has been used to build this entire infrastructure, they (civilians) are forbidden to visit the place. I am quite familiar with the mentioned area and E9 also. There is no special restriction on civilians to enter this area. Relatives and friends can visit their kin right inside residential area whenever they want. Similarly, several civilian patients utilize the medical facilities in PAF and PN hospitals on daily basis.
Naval and PAF complexes do take security measures, which are commonly applied these days by planned residential societies such as Bahria town. The recent attacks on naval and air bases, military complexes and armed forces personnel have made them more security conscious. Therefore, they are more apprehensive and strictly follow security measures, not allowing anyone in, if they fail to prove their identity and purpose of visit. This is a rational step to follow under the given circumstances.
Undoubtedly, taxpayers’ money is used to build such infrastructures, but once developed it becomes the responsibility of the concerned authority to ensure its security. Increasing security concerns and acts of terrorism in all major cities of Pakistan are a serious threat to its national integration. Instead of blaming the security forces or state institutions, we need to support them by extending maximum co-operation. Collective efforts are required to survive this existential challenges facing Pakistan. At present there is a dire need to spread this message that Pakistan is not divided into military civilian groups but is one nation and together it can counter all challenges. This crisis will be over soon and the world would see a rising Pakistan.
UMM-E-HABIBA,
Rawalpindi, April 6.