We faced the most barbaric attack in the nation’s history, we lost 140 precious lives including 132 children. This is the new wave of terrorism we are facing in reaction of the military operations in the tribal areas. The nation must stand united to support the government and our armed forces in this war, which has inflicted more damage in terms of precious human lives, massive economic deficit, and loss of international credibility than any declared war against known external enemies. This is a battle for Pakistan to eliminate all private armed militias, who threaten the writ of state.
In these hard times we should also end the concept of good and bad Taliban. We should not allow any group, be they backed by political parties or religious organisations, to enforce their writ, through intimidation and use of force. It is time that Pakistan returned to its roots and old beliefs and diligently followed the vision of our Quaid, to make the country a truly democratic welfare state, whose government is answerable to its people and where all institutions work within the ambit of the Constitution. To stand as one against the onslaught of enemies of the state all around us, we must be strong as this is the entire defense we have.
ANUM AFZAL,
Rawalpindi, December 17.