The Pakistan Army’s assault on Taliban positions in North Waziristan correctly enjoys impressive cross-party support as politicians and media see the action as a means to tackle the decade-long insurgency that has claimed thousands of lives all over the country. More than 500 militants have been killed in the fighting so far, but allegations of growing numbers of civilian deaths are weakening support for the action. Last week, the armed forces reported killing 35 terrorists, but nearby villagers said that several among the dead were civilians.
As the action continues, it will be very important for the Pakistani armed forces to make every effort to avoid civilian deaths. They have to remember that the ultimate purpose of the action is to create a new political climate in Waziristan and eventually all over the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata), so that the people of the region feel a greater loyalty towards the Pakistani state and its civil institutions.
The military is not in Waziristan as an occupying force, but are fighting as part of a police action to reclaim Pakistani territory from well-organised insurgents and regain people’s loyalty. This will not be achieved by killing civilians.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif tried holding peace talks with the Pakistani Taliban after he came to power, but they collapsed after the February murder of 23 Pakistani soldiers by the Taliban and the assault on Karachi airport in June. This led to the planning of a military retaliation.
The Americans have an active interest in the success of this Pakistani operation since they are still active in Afghanistan and are trying to coordinate with the Pakistani authorities to defeat the Taliban. Pakistan is concerned that the US should continue its military support for Pakistani operations even after its complete pullout from Afghanistan by the end of this year.
The Pakistanis have noted that the Coalition Support Fund that the US uses to reimburse Pakistan for its efforts would expire after the US withdrawal from Afghanistan and Islamabad seeks the establishment of a replacement fund.
