In the chilling wake of the recent bomb blasts in Pakistan, the lethal dangers of harboring terrorists have again been ruthlessly highlighted. These horrific acts of violence, including a devastating suicide bombing in a teeming Peshawar market that extinguished over 100 lives, have ripped the nation apart.
The Islamic State Khorasan (ISKP), a banned terrorist organization, was swift to claim responsibility for the atrocity. This is hardly their debut in the theater of terror, the ISKP and other such organizations have for long held Pakistan hostage with their insidious operations. These groups have wantonly targeted innocent civilians, security personnel, and government officials, causing untold misery and destabilizing the nation at its roots.
Unfortunately, these groups have met with limited resistance from the Pakistani government. Time and again, their feeble attempts at reigning in terrorism have fallen flat, and the ISKP and similar organizations continue to thrive, executing their operations with chilling ease.
The harsh reality is that Pakistan has long been a hospitable environment for terrorists. Accusations of the country’s intelligence agencies covertly supporting such groups have added to the public dismay. The government’s reluctance to deal with these malevolent entities has given rise to a breeding ground of terror that has only harmed the nation.
In the words of Hillary Clinton, “If you have snakes in your backyard, they won’t just bite your neighbors.” Terrorism, too, follows the same chilling principle. Should Pakistan continue to be a sanctuary for terrorists, they will eventually turn their fangs upon their host. The recent bombings are but the latest cruel reminder of this imminent danger.
The time for lukewarm responses and half-hearted attempts at combatting terror has passed. Pakistan’s government must awaken to the pressing urgency of the situation, cut off all support to terrorist groups, and dedicate itself to bringing the culprits of these heinous crimes to justice.
The ripple effects of nurturing terror extend beyond immediate security threats. It leaves long-lasting scars on the nation’s economy and political stability. A nation in the clutches of terror can hardly be alluring to foreign investors, consequently leading to economic decline. Not to forget the added security measures acting as a barrier to smooth economic activity.
Despite the IMF bailout, Pakistan’s economy remains in shambles. In this grim scenario, the future certainly seems bleak.
Likewise, rampant terrorism threatens to dismantle the nation’s political stability. When a government fails to shield its citizens from violence, it creates a fertile ground for extremist groups to grow and seize power.
The path to a prosperous future for Pakistan must involve severing its ties with terrorism at all levels. The government must tighten its security measures, boost economic growth, and work towards fostering an inclusive political system that inspires faith rather than fear.
The recent bomb blasts in Pakistan have sounded a blaring siren that the nation cannot afford to ignore any longer. Now, it is upon Pakistan’s government to answer this urgent call and steer the nation away from the grip of terrorism, towards a future that promises stability, prosperity, and peace.
