Summary The timing of such incidents is important as China's Foreign Minister will arrive in Islamabad today
LAHORE (Daily Dunya) - On the arrival of Eid-ul-Fitr, the festive mood in the country was marred by incidents of terrorism in Quetta and Parachinar and has caused a wave of fear from Karachi to Khyber. As per the analysis by Salman Ghani, the incidents have also led the citizens of Pakistan to reflect on the fact that for the elimination of terrorism, extremism and militancy, the current government has undertaken many steps including operation Zarb-e-Azb, but yet incidents of terror continue to take place even after these measures were taken.
Multiple questions have arisen after these incidents. Have we been able to completely cut out the roots of terrorism? Have we been able to bring terrorism under control? Who are the actual terrorists? What are the aims of these acts of terror? And what is the importance of timing with regards to acts of terror?
In wake of the recent events, it should be considered whether these incidents are a part of the recent wave of terror that has hit Afghanistan whose aim to is to destabilise the region. Moreover, the Afghan administration, instead of trying to find out those responsible for the acts of terror, has continued its tradition of blaming Pakistan, freeing itself of all liability. On the other hand, Pakistan has always expressed its desire for peace in neighbouring Afghanistan. Even in the face of hostility and blame from Afghanistan, Pakistan has remained silent and has even established peace in Afghanistan a prerequisite for its own stability and success. This policy, however, has been a source of weakness for Pakistan.
It seems that those entities that are currently engaged in destabilising Afghanistan are also hell bent on inducing fear and terror within Pakistan so that peace cannot be established in the region and the cycle of terrorism begins anew in Pakistan. The timing of these incidents is important as today on Saturday the Chinese Foreign Minister is set to arrive in Islamabad and will later go to Kabul. China wants good relations with both Pakistan and Afghanistan for regional peace. On the arrival of the Chinese foreign minister, two incidents of terrorism will send a bad message as regional peace is not only in the interests of Pakistan but also in the interests of China.
China knows who is involved in destabilising Afghanistan and is also aware of who is behind such incidents in Pakistan. Furthermore, stability in Afghanistan is not only in the interests of China but also Russia now.
The wish on part of China, Russia and Pakistan to see peace in Afghanistan and their efforts for the realisation of this wish are not acceptable to certain entities. The fact of the matter is if Afghanistan sincerely makes efforts for peace within its boundaries and makes a clear differentiation between friend and foe, then the dream for peace in the region can be turned into a reality.
Pakistan will have to now consider whether the incidents of terrorism in Pakistan have a link to the acts of terror in Afghanistan. Is it a part of a ploy to send a message to the Chinese foreign minister? Or does it have something to do with the recent progress made in Kulbushan Yadav s case.
