Frankenstein’s Monster: How Pakistan Handcrafted Its Own Internal Security Threats
The article examines Pakistan’s internal security threats stemming from its own policies, particularly highlighting the Balochistan insurgency, the TTP’s resurgence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and the political crisis following Imran Khan’s ousting. It discusses how decades of governance and strategic missteps have fostered these challenges, resulting in unrest and instability across the nation.
The recent hijacking of the Jaffar Express by the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) underscores the ongoing turmoil in Balochistan, a region exceptionally rich in resources yet grappling with a protracted insurgency for greater autonomy. This incident has highlighted not only the plight of Balochistan but also other serious internal threats facing Pakistan, such as ongoing terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and political instability characterized by frequent protests over economic and political grievances.
Pakistan’s internal crises can be traced to its own policy decisions over several decades. The nation has fostered an array of insurgencies and militant movements, ultimately losing control over these manifestations it had initially created. In Balochistan, a province that has historically suffered from oppression, the separatist insurgency is not merely a simple rebellion but a consequence of Islamabad’s oppressive practices and disregard for regional rights.
The roots of the Balochistan crisis extend back to 1948 with the province’s controversial accession to Pakistan, which led to widespread discontent. The province has since experienced five armed uprisings, met consistently by Islamabad’s unchanged remedy: heavy militarization, enforced disappearances, and an oppressive security apparatus. Economic exploitation amplifies these issues, as Balochistan, despite its vast natural resources, remains the most underdeveloped region in Pakistan, fostering further resentment among the local population.
The insurgency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa serves as another example of Pakistan’s self-created challenges, particularly considering its long-standing relationship with jihadist militancy. This relationship evolved in the 1980s during the Soviet-Afghan War, when Pakistan, supported by the US and Saudi Arabia, armed the mujahideen. This policy continued into the 1990s, ultimately backfiring when groups like Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) emerged in reaction to the state’s selective anti-terrorism tactics, subsequently launching a campaign that included horrific attacks like the 2014 Peshawar school massacre. After the fall of Kabul in 2021, the TTP’s resurgence has posed significant security challenges for Islamabad.
On the political front, Pakistan faces another significant issue: the fallout from the ouster and imprisonment of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. His removal, seen as a product of a military maneuver to maintain control, has incited widespread protests and unrest. The military’s historical dominance over the political arena has led to volatile power dynamics, particularly after Khan’s attempted shift away from military allegiance. His arrest has only deepened public dissent, resulting in a significant protest movement against the state’s attempt to quiet opposition.
These compounded crises illustrate Pakistan’s struggle with forces of its own making, mirroring Mary Shelley’s notion of a “Frankenstein” that can no longer be contained. The establishment’s policies have exacerbated these internal threats, raising concerns over both security and political stability. Ultimately, the current upheaval underscores the urgent need for Islamabad to address these self-generated crises to restore peace and governance effectively.
In summary, Pakistan finds itself ensnared in a web of crises largely of its own making, from the separatist insurgency in Balochistan to the jihadist threats in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, compounded by political instability linked to the fallout of Imran Khan’s leadership. These issues reflect a failure of governance and strategy, demonstrating how Islamabad’s historical policies have cultivated internal threats that now jeopardize national stability. Addressing these challenges necessitates a comprehensive and reflective approach to foster dialogue, reform, and genuine governance.
Original Source: www.firstpost.com
