Ahmad Sabat sb

Counter-Terrorism Strategies of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) 2008-2013

Authors and Affiliations

• Umair Muhammad Khan: M.Phil from International Relations, University of Balochistan

• Amjad Rashid: PhD Scholar, Dept. of International Relations, University of Balochistan

• Dr. Fida Bazai: Assistant Professor, University of Balochistan, PhD from University of Glasgow

• Faiza Mir: Lecturer, University of Balochistan

• Dr. Ruqia Rehman: Assistant Professor, Statistics, University of Balochistan, PhD on perception and narrative building

• Ghulam Dasthagir: Lecturer, University of Balochistan

Abstract

• Focus on PPP's counter-terrorism policies post-2008 elections after Benazir Bhutto's assassination on November 27, 2007.

• Criticism of Pervez Musharraf’s failed counter-terrorism approach.

• Wars against Taliban and Al-Qaeda intensified, with Taliban making territorial gains and suicide bombings escalating.

• PPP’s electoral victory led to collaboration with Awami National Party (ANP) and a clear stance on militancy.

Key Concepts

• Pakistan's Security Situation:

  • Positioned geographically between India and Afghanistan, prioritizing security over economic development.

  • Historical context: the discord with India post-1971 and its consequences.

• Counter-Terrorism Background:

  • Post-9/11 cooperation with the US following the declared war on terrorism; difficult public response to Musharraf's alliance with the US.

Extremism in Pakistan

• Historical Context:

  • The Soviet-Afghanistan war fostered religious extremism in Pakistan; US backing of Mujahideen led to infrastructural support for jihad.

  • After Soviet withdrawal, a lack of support for Afghan governance fostered a rise in Taliban extremism.

• Militants’ Perception:

  • Initially supported by the Pakistani state, their narrative turned against the state as the US intervened.

  • Growing anti-Pakistani sentiment among militants resulted in domestic terrorism.

Military Operations

Operation Rah-e-Haq (November 2007)

• Initiated as a response to increased Taliban activity in Swat.

• Multi-phase operation involving police and paramilitary forces.

• Resulted in public discontent and militancy resurgence after shaky peace agreements.

Operation Rah-e-Rast (May 2009)

• Aimed to regain control of Swat; marked the widespread military engagement.

• Emphasis on street-fighting in Mingora led to significant displacements.

• Effective in dismantling Taliban strongholds; notable casualties among both militants and security forces.

Operation Sherdil (September 2008)

• Targeted Bajaur Agency following increased militant activity.

• Aimed to clear out foreign fighters and disrupt their operational capabilities.

• Saskatchewan's military success in this area led to subsequent operations in neighboring regions.

Operation Zalzala (2008)

• Focus on South Waziristan to limit militant territorial control especially during Baitullah Mehsud’s leadership.

• Encapsulated in a backdrop of rising violence across Pakistan.

Operation Rah-e-Nijat (2009)

• Launched as a decisive response to escalated TTP activities.

• Multi-pronged approach that included tribal diplomacy to isolate and combat Mehsud influence.

• Initial successes but raised local tensions leading to increased militant resistance.

US Drone Strikes

• US military strategy shifted towards drone strikes, targeting high-profile militant leaders in Pakistan.

• Tensions between local population and US operations increased, seen as violations of sovereignty.

• Cooperation between the US and Pakistan government was contentious yet necessary for counterterrorism.

Conclusion

• The evolution of militancy in Pakistan underlines failures of earlier policies and underscores PPP's counter-terrorism approach as formative.

• Successes and failures during operations shaped current security dynamics, revealing the complex interplay of internal and external factors in Pakistan's approach to terrorism.