Maroc - EURASIAREVIEW.COM - A la une - 17/Sep 15:31

Pakistan: Protests And Sit-Ins By Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police – OpEd

In the recent weeks, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Police, particularly in the districts of Bajaur and Lakki Marwat, have found themselves at the center of a controversy that threatens the security and stability of the region. Faced with rising attacks by Khawariji terrorists, police officers in these areas have abandoned their duties and staged protests, including sit-ins. While their concerns about safety and the escalation of targeted killings are valid, their decision to resort to protests, rather than addressing these issues through formal channels, could have far-reaching consequences. These protests not only undermine public trust but also risk playing directly into the hands of the terrorists who seek to destabilize the region. The situation in Bajaur district is particularly concerning, as police officers have halted their duties, including their participation in the anti-polio vaccination campaign—a crucial public health effort in Pakistan. This move echoes a similar protest in Lakki Marwat, where police officers demanded the withdrawal of the army from their district, voicing concerns over the increasing insecurity caused by insurgent attacks. The abandonment of duties by these officers is alarming, especially in the face of a terrorist threat that has been relentlessly targeting security forces, civilians, and government efforts alike. The discipline and professionalism expected from the police force are critical, especially in regions plagued by terrorism. Historically, the police have functioned under strict guidelines, with complaints and grievances being addressed through formal procedures. Disciplinary actions are taken when necessary, and channels for communication and resolution of issues exist. Abandoning duties, however, and choosing the path of protest not only disrupts this professional structure but also poses a serious risk to the security of the region. The consequences of such actions cannot be overstated. The protesters should recognize that they are unwittingly being used to further the agenda of a small, but dangerous group of Khawariji terrorists. These terrorists have no regard for public welfare or stability and thrive on creating discord and division within the security forces. By abandoning their responsibilities and protesting, the police may be playing into the hands of these insurgents, whose ultimate goal is to weaken the state's security apparatus and destabilize the region. Khawariji terrorists, who are often proxies for hostile foreign elements, have a clear anti-people agenda. Their ideology is one of hatred and violence, and they have shown time and again that they have no understanding or respect for Islam, human life, or the welfare of their fellow citizens. Their actions are driven by a destructive worldview, aimed at creating chaos and fear. The protests by the police, while understandable from a personal safety perspective, risk furthering the goals of these terrorists by creating internal discord and diminishing public trust in the security forces. Public trust is an essential element in any fight against terrorism. The people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, like those in other regions affected by terrorism, rely heavily on their police and security forces for protection and stability. When the police abandon their duties or engage in public protests, it sends a message of disarray and weakness. This is precisely what the Khawariji terrorists aim for—to erode the confidence of the public in their protectors and to create an environment where fear and instability can flourish. Innocent lives are put at risk when security forces falter in their responsibilities, and the protests themselves may lead to further unrest and violence. To combat the growing threat posed by Khawariji terrorists, it is imperative that the police, army, and other law enforcement agencies work together in a unified and coordinated manner. Protests and division within the ranks of the security forces will only weaken their ability to counter the insurgents effectively. A unified front, with collaboration between the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police, the Army, and the Frontier Corps (FC), is crucial for success in the ongoing battle against terrorism. These institutions have a long history of cooperation and have built a strong professional relationship over the years, which has been key in addressing the numerous security challenges that have arisen in the region. Recent successes in counter-terrorism operations highlight the effectiveness of this unified approach. For example, a suicide attack was thwarted in Mohmand district, and three Khawariji terrorists were killed in Kurram district. These operations, part of broader intelligence-based efforts, are essential in maintaining security and stability in the region. Over the past eight months alone, security forces have conducted 32,173 intelligence-based operations, including 4,021 in the last month, resulting in the elimination of at least 90 militants. These achievements demonstrate that the fight against terrorism is ongoing and that significant progress is being made. The protests by the police, however, threaten to undermine these efforts. Abandoning duties in the face of a terrorist threat not only weakens the security apparatus but also delays critical humanitarian efforts, such as the anti-polio vaccination campaigns. These campaigns are vital for the health and well-being of the population and must continue despite the challenges posed by insurgent attacks. Allowing protests to disrupt such efforts only plays into the hands of the Khawariji terrorists, who seek to undermine both security and public welfare. It is essential for the protesting police officers to realize that their grievances can and should be addressed through the appropriate channels. Abandoning their duties and resorting to public protests is not the solution. Instead, they should engage in dialogue with other security forces and law enforcement agencies, as a collaborative approach is crucial for effectively countering the ongoing terrorist threat. The Khawariji terrorists may be on the run, but they are far from defeated. With continued collaboration between the police, the military, and the people of Pakistan, there is hope that this menace will soon be eradicated. Efforts by hostile elements to sow discord between the police and the military will fail, as both remain committed to the goal of creating a peaceful and secure society. The sacrifices of martyrs, from the police, Army, FC, and civilians alike, serve as a reminder of the stakes in this battle. Together, through unity and resilience, Pakistan can overcome the threat posed by Khawariji terrorists and build a safer future for all.