In a stirring address during the recent Apex Committee meeting, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) eloquently reiterated the collective responsibility of all Pakistanis—uniformed or otherwise—in the ongoing war against terrorism. His words, underscoring unity, accountability, and adherence to the Constitution, reflect the gravity of the challenges facing the nation and the urgency for comprehensive action.
The COAS reminded us that the Constitution places upon the armed forces and law enforcement agencies the sacred duty of safeguarding Pakistan’s internal and external security. He issued a stern warning to those undermining the nation’s stability, declaring unequivocally that anyone attempting to obstruct these efforts will face the consequences.
A Shared Responsibility
The Army Chief’s recognition of every Pakistani as a soldier in this fight is a powerful metaphor. It highlights that combating terrorism and extremism requires a united front—encompassing civilians, institutions, and the state. The burden of this fight, however, has often disproportionately fallen on the shoulders of the armed forces and law enforcement agencies, which have paid a heavy price in blood.
The COAS’s pointed observation about governance gaps is a sobering reminder that this struggle cannot be won on military might alone. Governance deficiencies have allowed spaces for militancy to fester, and these gaps are being filled at great human cost by our security forces. The sacrifices of these brave individuals underscore the urgency of institutional reforms.
Challenges to Overcome
Pakistan is at a critical juncture. Regions like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, and erstwhile FATA continue to witness escalating violence. The resurgence of terrorism is exacerbated by inadequate governance, political instability, and a lack of socioeconomic opportunities. The failures in governance not only diminish the effectiveness of counterterrorism measures but also fuel public resentment and disillusionment, which can be exploited by extremist forces.
Furthermore, the political class often seems more preoccupied with point-scoring than addressing the structural issues plaguing the state. This negligence risks further undermining the sacrifices made by the security forces and ordinary citizens alike.
Concrete Steps Forward
The COAS’s speech is a call to action for all stakeholders to assume their responsibilities. To truly honor the sacrifices of those who have laid down their lives, the following steps must be urgently implemented:
1. Strengthening Civil-Military Coordination: A cohesive framework for collaboration between civilian and military institutions is vital. This includes joint efforts in intelligence-sharing, counterinsurgency, and policy-making.
2. Improving Governance: The state must address governance deficiencies, particularly in conflict-affected regions. This includes ensuring the delivery of basic services, justice, and economic opportunities to marginalized communities.
3. Political Stability: Political leadership must prioritize national security over partisan agendas. A unified, bipartisan approach to counterterrorism is essential for sustainable peace.
4. Enhanced Counterterrorism Strategy: A comprehensive strategy that goes beyond military operations is needed. This should include deradicalization programs, community engagement, and addressing the root causes of extremism.
5. Support for Families of Martyrs: The state must ensure that the families of security personnel who have made the ultimate sacrifice are adequately supported, both financially and emotionally.
A Moment for National Unity
The Army Chief’s resolute words should serve as a rallying cry for all Pakistanis to come together in this existential fight against terrorism. The stakes are too high for complacency or division. It is time for every citizen, institution, and leader to act decisively in securing a future of peace, stability, and prosperity for Pakistan.
The sacrifices of our soldiers demand nothing less. Let this be the moment when rhetoric transforms into action, and the promise of a secure Pakistan becomes a reality.