ISLAMABAD: Senator Mashal Yousafzai has made a demand for assurances that after the military operations, no terrorists will come back to the area. However, security experts suggest that before asking for such guarantees, she should carefully consider the statements made by the Director-General of the Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR).
The DG ISPR has always pointed out the manner and targets of military operations. Nevertheless, the actual issue lies in the aftermath of the operations. The very question is whether the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provincial government will be able to exercise its authority in these regions, rule the law, and proceed with the development projects.
Historical evidence shows that after past operations, many areas were often left abandoned, with little to no return of effective civilian administration. Local police forces and district systems remained weak, and promises of development were often forgotten, providing space for insurgents to regain control.
The real issue, experts argue, is not whether peace can be restored, but whether the provincial government can truly sustain the rule of law and governance after the operation. Mashal Yousafzai’s request for a guarantee raises the question: Can she provide a written assurance that this time, after the operation, the government will not leave these areas vulnerable to militants again for political gains?
It is worth mentioning here that during a TV talk show, PTI’s Senator Mashal Yousafzai has demanded a guarantee that the military operations will eliminate the terrorist elements and that they will not return to the area following the operation.
