Operation Zarb-e-Azb: A Successful Initiative to Curtail Terrorism

Abstract

The influx of terrorist outfits in North Waziristan Agency took place after the military offensives Rah-e-Nijat in South Waziristan Agency and Rah-e-Rast in Swat Valley in 2009 conducted by the armed forces of Pakistan. The new establishment decided to put negotiation on table in 2013 with terrorist outfits and invited them to peace dialogues on January 29, 2014.All through the peace talks, the continued terror activities led to the initiation of a comprehensive operation by the armed forces of Pakistan, targeting all the terrorist outfits. On Army’s insistence, the PML-N government after the audacious attack on Jinnah International airport by the Uzbek fighters allowed the army to go for a military offensive in NWA. Two weeks after the operation started, airstrikes were launched and then ground battle receiving army gunships and air force fighter bombers was started. For air force surveillance and intelligence gathering, drones were also used in critical areas. After one year, Operation Zarb-e-Azb is heading towards its last juncture achieving success and eliminating terrorism. However, a possible threat that looms is the reemergence of the Terrorist outfits that slipped the Khost province of Afghanistan that was left unmanned for two weeks despite requests to the Afghan establishment by Pakistan but the Pakistan armed forces are vigilant and determined to root out terrorism from their mother land. Meanwhile, the government must pay heed to de-radicalization and reintegration of Pakistani youth by creating employment opportunities for them and reforming the role of madrassas.