War in Waziristan
By the Editor

WITH a determined pledge to weed-out gangs of foreign miscreants from the soils of Pakistan – tribesmen in South Waziristan – have valiantly stood up by waging war against the criminals.

Though the situation in the tribal belt – is treated as tense now-a-days – the tribal people have decided – on their own – to continue the struggle against the alien illicit elements – at all costs.

Reports suggest that – by now – almost over two hundred and fifty people have been killed by clashes – which include more or less two hundred foreign militants.

As the time tells – most of such foreigners – living in South Waziristan – got settled in diverse vicinities almost over two decades ago. Thus, they turned intimate with environs – by developing rapport and relationship with the local populace – even to the extent of getting into inter-marriages and joint businesses.

Amid this backdrop – we wish that these species [the foreign militants] should have availed of the generous opportunity provided by the Government – with an offer of amnesty for all.

No doubt, the offer was conditional – as the militants were required to lay down their arms with an undertaking – to live as peaceful citizens.

This was not a surprising demand as every citizen is expected and supposed to abide by the law of the land and this was all the more necessary – for those who came to Pakistan – initially as guests.

It is, however, regrettable that a number of foreign elements chose to act otherwise and as a result – we are witnessing bloodshed by clashes between tribesmen and the aliens in the area.

Analyzing with realism – the tribal leaders appeared to have realized the implications of the illegal presence of such foreigners – who are not only creating difficulties for the country – but their activities have also led to unnecessary adverse global focus on the tribal areas.

As a matter of fact – the hideous activities of such elements – are posing a constant danger to the peace, stability and prosperity of the region.

Yet, we feel optimistic that the tribal people would –eventually –succeed in their zestful drive to purify the area of the foreign elements – in the shortest span of time.

At the same time – we would like to urge the Government to initiate still more comprehensive developmental activities in every nook and corner of the tribal belt – so as to bring it at par with developed ones – by taking them into the national mainstream.

Apart from FATA – some reports suggest presence of hundreds of thousands of illegitimate immigrants in other parts of the country –specifically in the coastal city of Karachi and despite repeated claims by successive Governments – no practical steps have so far been taken to deal with this serious problem.

Hence, a large-scale strategy is ought to be formulated to check entry of illegal immigrants and repatriation of all those already present – is needed to be ensured – with a swift pace, opening enormous vistas for comprehensive safety and security to the people – with focus on those, living in the tribal areas – as well as for the nationwide affluence – which is much needed – to keep Pakistan in the front and leading row of the civilized world.●