After going through all these comments, I would like to put my though infront of all of you. No matter how much attacks Pakistani Army or NATO will do on these Talibanis, they are not going to be finished because they are continiously feeded by Terro-outfits based not only in Kashmir but also inside the pakistan. Govt. and all pakistani’s shoud take this firm decision and reject all such organizations like Talibans, Al-Quaida etc. Such people have embressed Muslims but more Pakistani Muslims. Any civil society across the world are not willing to assimilate with them. Its you, who have to take this initiative and comeout of all the conservative thining of Fundamentalizm. Lets concentrate on Trade and development and feed our poor and needy people. I am sure you all be agree with my comments…

Remember the parliament said NO to drone attacks but they still continue?

we have to figure out the post war situation after the end this so called war on terror ,the goverment intends to shift to waziristan. what would the berieved families will do when they well settled there dont you realize they can take the revenge from innocent people living in urban areas.As far as talibans are concerned these are now dormant enemies not in deep slumber,they are hibernating right now they will sprout whenever they get opportunity.Will our armed forces go for another war?

A quick question: How much is 10% of the value of Pakistani nukes?

Revenge is in every culture.

However at the same time don’t confuse the tribals with the terrorist talibans who have are influenced by ideology foreign to both Islam and the tribal culture.
The talibans actually turned the local culture upside down. Killing of Maliks and taking over authority by brutalizing the locals and they will have to bear the revenge of the locals in this regard first.

Why do you think local lashkars are also fighting against them?

Commenting about the operation is a difficult task because only an expert can tell what to do when to do and how to do. And the military is the best judge about it. i can only advise to use your head instead of heart Slow and steady you will win the race inshaallah

Dear Naila Malik, the brave and peaceful people in Tribal areas have lived thousands of years with dignity and pride free from terror of terrorists. The terrorists have infilterated their communities and made their lives miserable. Insha Allah, Pakistan Army will do everything that can be done so the tribal people can go back to their lives and live in peace and harmony that they lived all the time.

This plan will leave the people of the tribal areas with nothing to cherish, forcing them to take revenge. Of course it is a reaction to an action. We can not get sweet fruit from rotten seed. This action will give you nothing but makes your country weaker.

Dear Shaikh Mohommad, many people unaware of facts, say the same things as you said that is “Already we see towns and villages being bombarded and TV pictures clearly show them as ghost towns. How many more civilians have to be massacred.”

Shaikh, have you heard of World War II? Do you know how many millions of innocent civilians were killed to get rid of Hitler and his Nazi regime? Was it in vein? Those innocent civilians paid high price for you and I to have a world that we enjoy now.

Would like to see the SWAT IDP’s get back to their homes safely.

Who is trying to get the 20 WANTED DEAD or ALIVE Leaders of Taliban. Looks like Taliban Leadrs are able to survive the large army attacks. Who is protecting these Taliban Leaders

Already we see towns and villages being bombarded and TV pictures clearly show them as ghost towns. How many more civilians have to be massacred. Sorry. The word used is collateral damage. We saw destruction in Iraq, Afghanistan and now in Pakistan. When will we say enough is enough?

Naila Malik, just to correct you. Government of Pakistan is not taking brutal action against the civlians, let this be absolutely clear to you. The Government is taking lawful and legitmate action against militants and terrorists who are taking brutal actions against Pakistani civilians by bombing mosques where Muslims recite prayers, schools where girls get education, homes and market places killing men women and children like butchers.
It is a war of survival for Pakistan.

May Allah Help the brave soldiers of Pakistan and military leaders who are fighting the enemies of Pakistan to bring peace and stability to Pakistani nation.

hi
i just want to share my views that no human can back this brutal action against the civlians .we need to plan to cope with this whatever our goverment is doing it will create unrest in society and this trick will not work .we cannot learn from our mistake Bangladesh is living example of armed action.

Like Sri Lanka our forces have to first cut the escape routes and then go after the leadership. That is what NATO did’t do and failed. At the political/theological level we have to ban this approach of sectarian groups to drag everything into religion instead of treating it as a moral and metaphysical stuff.

Society should abolish the post of priest and let the eldest in the community lead the prayer.No Khutba. That was the privelege of the Prophet(PBUH). If any group has to say any thing on a significant issue of religion their leader should have it published in the newspaper so that everyone can read.Let us put an end to the oral tradition.madrassahs should be taken over by ther Zakat Department.

we have to think of economic uplift of the regions which are breedin Taliban.I think cattle and sheep breeding is the best economic occupation for the northern regions and it is not difficult for government to household level sheep breeding as is done for cottage industries.

A.Bajwa

When so called talibans were surging, everyone was saying why they are not being checked, and now everyone is critisizing the operation. What should be done?????????????

Dear Learned Mansoor, this is not the time to bash leaders of Pakistan. It is time for Pakistanis to be united, stand behind their civil and military leaders to eliminate the enemies of Pakistan and save Pakistan.

When your enemy attackes you and your family with guns and rockets, what choice do you have? Open dialogue with the enemy or kill the enemy?

Pakistan army is doing super job. They have no choice but what they are doing to save you and your future generation from ruthless murderers.

Never! we will have to think that who is making us to fight with each others and we all know.

Well! one has to ponder, whether are we doing the right thing? By invading our own country. In the past the all the Military Dictators did this. Some were of course self styled “Field Marshals” and others “Four Star”. But what did they give to Pakistan. Even if they would have ruled like their Battalion, I am sure the situation would have been different.
All of our leaders whether military or political, they frequently visit foreign countries and certainly they know the all around militancy situation in the world. Did the respective countries get any success in nipping the militant ideas from the root by military operations? If yes! than we are on the right track, but if not! and certainly not than we are on the wrong track.We have to come on dialogue table. History told us what not to do. Britishers tried their best to capture Tribal areas and Afghanistan but couldn’t succeeded. Now New type of global Imperialism-Capitalism-Communism-Fascism-Nazisim etc is trying to invade the countries under the umbrella of alliances.

Well done the Mojahids of Pakistan Army and the volunteer Lashkars. May Allah reward you in this life and hereafter. You have full support of all peace-loving Muslims of the world. Keep it up.

Talibans words are cheating. They are killing civilian and exposing our dear homeland to danger. They must be eliminated at all costs.

Security officials have confirmed that the Taliban thugs in Swat are being funded in large part by several foriegn charity groups. At a recent NATO meeting, Richard Holbrooke expressed similar concerns about the funds being provided to the taliban by private individuals and groups in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf. He estimated that such funding rivals if not exceeds the $200-$300M drug money raised annually by the Taliban.

The media has an obligation to pinpoint these foriegn charities and their nefarious anti-pakistan agenda. Clearly, an organized foriegn-based extremist network is providing institutionalized funding, expertise and manpower to the taliban thugs.

Our security agencies must take all necessary measures to hunt down traitors colluding with these charities and shut down their local operations. Importantly, the government must take up this serious matter with the relevant foriegn leaders, asking them to do more to prevent such extremist elements from supporting the taliban fascists in our midst.

This is a ridiculous question.It’s meaningless.

It’s not that Pakistan army is doing Swat operation on it’s own will. In my opinion The UN and the US have forced Pakistan army to act against the Taliban. Pakistans agencies are responsible for the present day situation.

Swat operation is way too late.Had been Pakistan army serious enough in it’s war on terror they would have acted earlier.

Now I feel Pakistan is at point of no return.

This operation is attacking only one part of the problem. This is necessary but not sufficient. Let me explain.

During Musharraf’s time, when he joined US in the war on terror, Al Qaeda was not tolerated but Taliban were encouraged despite knowing they created problems for neighbouring Afghanistan. Similarly, LeT, JAish e Mohammad and other terrorist outfits that created problems in India were encouraged. Also the whole Wahabi Madrasa infrastructure was allowed to flourish.

Today, the government is against Taliban because that is what the Americans say is a problem and so you have this operation in Swat. Even then other terrorist organization and infrastructure is not touched.

Now Iran has been attacked by terrorists within Pakistan resulting in Iran closing orders within a week of signing the historic gas treaty with Pakistan.

If it was possible to simply have an armed operation to reduce terrorism, then the writ of terrorist would not have prevailed in Bajaur after less than a year of a severe army operation that made 550,000 people homeless.

There needs to be a recognition that people who kill innocent civilians are terrorists and they can not be segregated as good terrorist and bad terrorist on the basis of the religion/nationality of those killed. Accordingly, the entire terror infrastructure needs to be destroyed (training jihad, funding jihad etc.). Until this happens, every few months Pakistan will continue to make these army operations making millions homeless and destroying crops and property in the process, without ever solving the problem.

Here I would like to comment on the role of media in this war as they have been updating us from the war zone. I have watched different channels and I would say the most impartial reporting has been from Dawn News. They have been highlighting the plight of IDP’s also the bravery of the Pak army of the officers and jawans who have laid their lives in the line of fire.
Mr. Ayaz Amir who is an impartial commentator recently highlighted about media’s role in his article in The News may 22nd Pakistan’s first or second real war that swat operation is now 4 weeks and still some media anchor persons are doubting and speaking against the swat operation, they should rather let army do its job that is a necessity.
But on the contrary Mr. Hamid Mir who is the anchor person of talk show is daily highlighting negative aspects of the swat operation, he is constantly either criticizing the lack of facilities at IDP camps or just today he was standing on a road near Mingora and criticizing that people are not being allowed to get back.
On 28th May when all the channels were paying tributes to heroes of chaagi, the day Pakistan romped into nuclear arena…Mr. Hamid Mir was criticizing the fact that being a Nuclear power we are un able to stop the bombings…but the question is why is he belittling the achievements of Pak Army or achievements of being a nuclear power…is this impartial reporting every Pakistani knows we have a responsibility for IDP’s we don’t need his special coverage…I suggest that he should read Ayaz Aimr’s article daily as it would clear his mind and help him in reporting impartially.

Dear Pakistani: I am geting sick reading your comments on this portal. Please pay more attention how our comments can contribute to solving this crisis. Confronting each other without any valuable argument serves no purpose; you are just making negative picture of Pakistani people as adolescent people who just need primitive and corrupted dictator. But personally I am confident that Pakistan has magnificent young generation which can make Pakistan as driving power in Islamic World.

Wake up Pakistanis, be you Pathaans, Punjabis, Baluchis, Sindhis or Mohajirs. If you want to save yourself and your dear relatives, you have no choice but to keep your eyes and ears open. Report all suspects to Police or Army before you and your dear relatives become victims of the crimes. There are the worst creatures on earth living with you in Pakistan. Did you read the news today:

PESHAWAR: Taliban militants kidnapped about 300 students, teachers and their relatives travelling in a convoy of mini-buses in North Waziristan on Monday, Reuters quoted police as saying.

Pakistan is stuck in the deep marshes of different problems.

The handful of miscreants strolling in FATA and Swat area – are often not hunted by Pakistani security forces – instead innocents are being gunned down.

Of late, DG ISPR iterated that terrorists in FATA and Swat were getting material and financial support through the Afghan agencies are abetting them. So, it’s getting much more common that a foreign hand is involved in conspiring against Pakistan. DG ISPR should be vocal. Just like Washington keeps on uttering about ISI’s hands in supporting Talibans, so on and so forth — the same way Pakistan should be more vocal and unambiguous while citing the foreign hand.

Can anyone straighten out the fact how Talibans stole a huge storage of arms and munition from possession of US Army in Afghanistan. The larcenist Talibans are using those stolen arms in Swat. That’s pretty much strange to me how easy it’s for Talibans to dupe US Servicemen.

I’m not against the operation in Swat – but I’m against it’s maneuvering. If government had to start any operation, they should have pre-planned and pre-managed the issues regarding IDPs. On the other side, often raised political statements against IDPs have exacerbated the situation more.

Over 3 millions people are dispossessed as yet. Government claimed in three days time the operation will get finished. I don’t think that’s the case. 3 days is just another pseudo political statement. 3 months could be possible – or may be 3 years – who knows? I don’t trust government.

As long as IDPs remain dispossessed, Pakistani government will have a good exuse of generating funds from UN, US, and other countries on the name of IDP’s in particular – Pakistan in general – and for their (ministers) bank accounts, both in general and particular.

May Allah bless Pakistan. Aameen

Every thing would be calmed, every Pakistani would be pleased and there would be peace and rest in every corner of Pakistan, our economy would grow, crimes would be much lesser, employment would be risen and many more development including terrorism would be finished if our government send back all the illegal afghanis those are living here in our homeland since many decades without having any legal documentation.

Hello AKhan,

I will provide you two solid reasons:
1. We always blame others
2. Why didn’t Musharraf admit that we had problem in Swat or even FATA. I don’t remember him admitting that we had camps in Pakistan.

Now, I must disclose that I supported Musharaff 90% of the time and still think he was one of the best leaders we had.

There is so much freedom in Pakistan, that you can’t experience anywhere in the world everyone living here like a President or everyone wish to see himself/herself as a President of the country. Pakistan has huge capacity to absorb tens and thousands of people in its land for example several years ago, Pakistan had adopted millions of Afghans and always has a flexible immigration rules for asylum seekers across the world. Pakistan has been progressing in each and every sector and I don’t know why some people are pessimistic for Pakistan.

Ohh! Nation’s soldiers, my heart beats for you.

Concerning what Tariq Mian, Canada says:
May 27th, 2009 at 8:30 pm : No guns are licensed in Israel. The entire population is allowed to keep any guns as they want & of any calibre. The people are an armed force. The secret of Israel’s success is in its Kibbutz.

Concerning what Mohsin Khan says:
May 29th, 2009 at 8:02 pm : I would like to ask Mohsin whether he would like to do some of the garbage collecting that Afghan Refugees are doing in Pakistan for survival?If not, would he like to organize us Pakistanis into people who do not create as much garbage as we do? In my personal view, a world without borders is preferable to one in which only the rich, disguised as traders, can move across borders. The rich can move even matter being traded across borders. If the poor try to move across borders they are considered illegal aliens. Kindly let me know which of the 1,24,000 prophets of God was a rich person, leaving aside all chauvinisms based on gender for the time being.

The operation had to come earlier. Why did our politicians, Army and the masses give these Taliban the time to bring all the filth?
These taliban are from amongst us. Rather More importantly this ideology is the one that we used to support. Blood is always thicker than water. But remeber that God is always there.

Mr.Nadeem ahmed i agree with most of your explanation, except for the part “but the previous Musharraf govt is to blame for this mess” ??? could please provide me with solid reasons behind this theory of yours?

Muhammad Hassan said: “I’m not able to understand that when Pakistan will get rid from American policy and when that time will come that our President dont need to go to US for dictation about our national policies….”

Brother Hassan, you are not the only person who has no idea what is going on in Pakistan. If people had intelligence to understand the situation in Pakistan, Pakistan will not be in mess as today.

A question for you. Did America pay money to Talibans to slaughter men, women and children in Pakistan in mosques, schools, homes, market places? Your answer will be blunt “No”. Then which American policy is responsible for the terror work of Ralibans in Pakistan? Also you blame President Zardari to take dictation fron USA. So you think Zardari is fighting Talibans to please America. Your brain tells you that Zardari should leave Talibans to salughter as many human beings as they like, and Zardari should do not order Army to fight the enemies of Pakistan because that would be interpreted as taking orders from America.

It is so pathetic to see that Pakistan is so advanced in science and technology yet there are so many people who lack intelligence.

Nadaem Ahmad, I cant agree more with you.

I’d also like to add that we are hypocrytes as a population. Balochistan has been neglected for decades – only for our enemies to control that province now – and we cry tears when someone draws a picture of our beloved Prophet PBUH. Dont get me wrong, I was also saddened, but we protested violently for something that doesnt change the truth since we all know our Prophet .. But such things that happen in Pakistan go unnoticed. People for GOD’s sake save your country. There wont be any left soon.

Terrorists, police, army, Politicians, outisde governments and forces have screwed this country for decades. Pakistan is finished. Really heartbroken I am

I agree with Nadaem, Pakistan should gather up all the Afghanis and send them back to Afghanistan, since these Afghanis came to Pakistan, crime and violence has spiked up like crazy.

All nations have tight immigration policies and dont even tolerate 20 illegals, every week Pakistanis are deported from different nations, yet we tolerate millions of illegal Afghans, its very stupid and dangerous.

I wish and hope that Pakistan deports forcibly all Afghans from Pakistan or at least put them in camps.

I am surprised MQM and Jeay Sindh, etc have raised noise about putting Pakistani Swatis in camps, but they have not demanded the same be done to Afghans who are behind car jacking, home invasion burglaries, theft, kidnapping, etc etc These Afghans are a security risk as most are aligned with Northern Alliance being Tajik and are venomously anti Pakistan and Pro India.

Why are we allowing afghans in our cities? No Pakistani is allowed to open a business in Afghanistan, they kill you in Afghanistan if you tell them you are from Pakistan….did you all know this?

They caught a terrorist in Swat today who admits slitting the throats of 4 policemen and was paid by the Taliban, this guy is from Afghanistan. We Pakistanis are the most stupid people on earth, we fight and get angry for the defense of any Muslim around the world, we give refuge to Afghans, we fight for Kashmiris, yet Arabs mistreat Pakistanis, Afghans hate Pakistanis, Kashmiris dont even want to be with Pakistan and want to be independant. Why are we as a nation so worried about the so called Ummah when our own nation is slipping away from underneath us, please wake up and help save Pakistan, the time has come for all of us to get into action and not sit and wait for help. we need to clean up Pakistan by closing madrassahs preaching hatred, we need to arrest entire families of suicide bombers so future bombers think twice, we need to arrest any mullah or religious preacher who preaches hate, we need to arrest the education minister because of all the govt run schools that are not being run due to corruption and because of which the people send kids to madrassahs, we need to round up all afghanis and other illegals and push them into camps or into Afghanistan, we need to seal our border with Afghanistan, we need to make peace with India and start trade and education exchanges.

We need to stop being spokespeople for the world and start cleaning up our own nation.

we need to stop demanding more from our leaders when we ourselves do nothing for our nation.

we need to salute our soldiers instead of supporting evil hate preachers of red mosque.

Our media needs to educate people of the importance of destroying this evil Taliban because we have no choice, if we dont finish the Taliban, the world will do it for us, but then everything will be destroyed and none of us will remain untouched.

Wake up Pakistan, support the Army, and call for the destruction of our enemies who live within us.

The operation is on the right track, but the previous Musharraf govt is to blame for this mess, 2 years ago this evil Mullah radio had been threatening a rebellion, the father had been in jail but was released by the Hoti govt hoping to placate the Mullah Sr, but history shows that when you give in to terrorists and gangsters, they only get emboldened.

This mess should have been nipped in the bud, but this is the time when all Pakistanis and Pakistani polictical parties stand united behind the army against the throat cutters many of whom are just petty criminals, murderers and paid killers from afghanistan and beyond.

Pakistani people need to support their soldiers, because if you dont support our army and God forbid this action fails, then catastrophe awaits each and every one of you as hundreds of thousands of Afghanis and uzbeks and Arab terrorists will fan out all over Pakistan aided and abetted by their local extremists and then you will all be in hell like the people of Swat.

The so called Righteous Mullas (the Taliban) have now resorted to bombing civilians in cities to blackmail the government and army to stop the operations against them. So much for their God touting morals. They are terrorists pure and simple. The operation should continue full speed ahead till this disease called Talibanization is immunized.

Well this seems like a tricky question … “Is it on a right track?” … the track is simple and should not be doubted at all. Which is to eliminate every single extremist,militant,taliban,Mullahs,Qazis … etc. anywhere in Pakistan.

The question should be “The Pakistani army … why so slow and late on the track like Pakistan Railways?”

Concur with Afan Khan, the currently visible casualities and collateral damage is much smaller than visioning what taliban plan todo to the whole country. What they are announcing is: vacate Lahore, Multan and Karachi and we wil rule.

Rise to the occasion nation of Pakistan. If you still want to listent, pseudo intellectuals and pro-taliban journalists, they would confuse you.

Nobody should be tolerated who is bent upon to bring suffering to the innocent children,women and the elderly.
Pakistan Legislatures at all levels (national, provincial or municipal) should enact laws prohibiting everyone other than the assigned officials to carry guns or any sort of ammunition. And, this should have been done much earlier.
The combatant militants are to be eliminated fast in order to shorten the ongoing suffering being experienced by the innocent public.
Therefor, All gun-licences should be cancelled right away.

The people of Pakistan deserve much better than this.
Pakistan needs foreign investments in order to experience an economic boom, which is becoming closer after the restoration of conscientious judiciary in Pakistan.
The anti-social elements or other hidden enemies are about to fade away because their logical end is getting near.

i believe all this is nothing but a game of our politicians, they did the same all time and still doing nothing but filling their lockers by entangling us in this sort of dramas

I feel the only thing wrong with this military operation is that it did not start any earlier. It is imperative that we ‘act now’ for the survival of Pakistan. As far as the IDPs are concerned, I would rather like the Government of Pakistan control the movement of population instead of militants dictating the same and i am positive that with the conduct & execution of this operation, this has already begun to happen.What bothers me though is that for most of us, including our political leadership,the seriousness of it all does not cross beyond the pseudo-intellectual drawing room discussions. I think the whole of Pakistan needs a big mug of coffee! or whatever might help us wake up..it is nobody else’s war & we did not just one day accidentally stumbled upon & hit Taliban grounds face down. I bet we have a collective memory shorter than that of a gold fish, if we do at all. We must learn from history & from our bitter experiences of past. We are reasons of our own downfall, threats facing our country are real & our preparations to meet such challenges mere hallucinations & hope for a better future.It is time for us to rise to the occasion, keep up with the progressive nations around the world or be left out & behind in anonymity at best or war at worst.

God bless pak army…

I hope sufi of swat is eliminated.

I wish the pak army had done this before…we dont want these extremists on our pure land..

That is give them a real close shave.

What Sri Lanka army did to the Prabhakarans and their treasonous insurgency — Kayani’s army has to do to its barber-less barbarians (”hajamat kurna manaa hai”) — the Baitullahs the Fazlullahs the Hakimullahs of Pakistan’s North and South Wahshistans and to their spokesmen – the na-Muslim Khans.

It seems from the photograph I saw in your new paper now eniter population has machine guns in thier hands..

Till such wapons are not removed from the hands of non official people, you can never take out violance in Pakistan.

Why anyone other than police or army should carry these guns…

Current action will result into nothing, now instead of name Taliban you will have kaliban, paliban, daliban.. you name anythng. A gun in a hand of uneducated youth who has no way to earn money and livelyhood knows only one use of the gun…Call it a quick justice or equal share of wealth…But no hard work to earn…

it is wrong

Nabeel, you said
“Pakistan army has once again proven that they are only good enough to fight wars with their own inhabitants , the so called ‘jawans’ of the army who call themselves muslims and patriotic are nothing but just the tools at the hands of their enemies . What surprises me most is that though people know that this is the only truth and yet they turn away as cattles.”
Nabeel, you have to learn a lot about what is a threat to Pakistan. As a matter of fact the uneducated Jahils are the greatest threat to Pakistan and the Talibans are breed of Jahelia or Jehalat..
Nabeel, you said
“More than 1.5 million people are displaced and living without proper food or shelter , first you bomb them and then you say ‘lets have food’ , you make slaves out of the people like this”
Nabeel, if you were alive before the partition of India/Pakistan and seen the death of hundreds of thousand Muslims and tens of millions of displaced Muslims, you would have said, “Is Pakistan worth all the sacrifice?”
Listen to this my brother. While it is great tragedy to see 1.5 million Pakistanis displaced, there will be greater tragedy if Talibans are allowed to overthrow duly electrd government of Pakistan. They will slaughter may be 10 times more people than what have been displaced.

Allah Hafiz

Its great to see the entire nation standing united behind the Army as it tackles the murderous Taliban terrorists in Swat. The IDP camps are full of refugees recounting horrific tales of the Taliban criminals slaughtering men and women, brutalizing and forcibly ‘marrying’ local girls, blowing up schools, kidnapping for ransom, and beheading policemen.

The Taliban thugs must pay for the atrocities they have committed against the people of Swat and Malakand. I’m confident our fearless soldiers being cheered on by the entire country will eliminate these fascist taliban very soon.

Nabeel M Sher, can you advise the forum what prompted you to become a Taliban/Al Queada sympathaizer / supporter?

And, what is wrong in a lawyer leading a country?

Pakistan is fighting Americas’ war with resulting almost 2 million citizens of Pakistan displaced and on the run from their homes and without food or aid in many cases. Pakistan should not turn against former allies to please lawyer run USA when the U.S. itself is now looking for “exit” plans from Afghanistan.

so far Pakistan army has somewhat support of the people for this operation but as more days and weeks pass this will change. The situation IDPs are facing is nightmarish and let’s face it despite our best efforts as Pakistanis to take care of them, it’s 1.5 million displaced people, man. some of the stories I’ve heard and seen on tv are heart wrenching. And to think that these people will have to endure more of it?
I think the talibans know it, too. That’s why they’re not putting theirs arms down. They’ll fight this to their last man as an army general said and prolong this as much as they can. People will get anxious, people will get desperate and turn against the gov’t and then this thing will be totally out of control. A war that we haven’t won against the taliban and IDP situation which is blowing up in our faces.
I pray that Pakistan army succeeds in this operation was soon as possible. I know how hard this battle is but this war can’t be prolonged. Talibans surely cant defeat Pakistan army physically but if they can prolong this war that would be a wining situation for them. We cant let that happen after this much sacrifice. May Allah help Pakistan army win against talibans.

no donuts for pakistan army and their allies.

Pakistan army has once again proven that they are only good enough to fight wars with their own inhabitants , the so called ‘jawans’ of the army who call themselves muslims and patriotic are nothing but just the tools at the hands of their enemies . What surprises me most is that though people know that this is the only truth and yet they turn away as cattles.

More than 1.5 million people are displaced and living without proper food or shelter , first you bomb them and then you say ‘lets have food’ , you make slaves out of the people like this ………who gets the benefit , in a court the motive is sought for the crime … in this crime against humanity what is the motive , the security of power for our politicians and billions of dollars in their savings .

Our masses who should have an opinion are far more astray than cattle , cause the army will attack you tomorrow and you will be divided between parties.

So sad, that our memory is so short lived that we forgot the result of military action in East Pakistan. Current military actions in NW and Baluchistan are no different than what military action did to our own people in East Pakistan. Guess who benefits?

The whole nation is with pakistan army…we should support them in evreryway to get rid of these animals….just want to ask these so called true muslim, the taliban, why do they cover their faces…..are they afraid of what….should not they be afraid of only GOD…this is only one of the many other hypocrisies which they show…Taliban will be defeated inshallah.

My heart is weeping of blood all because of the fact that what ever is happening in SWAT,muslims and pakistani are dying.This is what the nation wants?

I’m not able to understand that when Pakistan will get rid from American policy and when that time will come that our President dont need to go to US for dictation about our national policies….

Akram says ….

Im proud of Pak Army. I hate politicans using taliban for personal gains
by the way , why has CJ iftikhar chaudry, bailed Maulana Abdul Aziz?

————

You should be proud of your army minus the rogue officers and soldiers that are religious zealots and sympathizers of Al Quaida and Taliban. You should also be proud of your fledgling democracy, support it and nurture it.

Rahamtullah, Do you want to loose your civil rights? Do you even know the meaning of emergency? It amounts abandonment of civil rights. How will emergency help the war with Taliban? You elect leaders to lead and govern, not to suppress and dicate.

i think swat operation is going in the right direction. i will just like to convey a message to all so call pakistanis who are saying that government should declare a state of emergency that sons of nation are sacrificing their lives for the stability of the nation not for declaration of emergency,

I do hope Zardari and gang do not fall for the latest Taliban trick. They have agreed to withdraw from certain areas in NWFP. like Lower Dir etc. This is one last chance we Pakistanis have to start eliminating the Taliban. The Taliban are on the back foot now this is the perfect time (Summer) to start eliminating them like a cancer.If the Taliban is not eliminated from Pakistan now, they will be more than a migraine a cancer.

Freedom of speach is a human right if Pakistan government is taking a revenge from those so called talibans for practicising that right than there are other ways as well. I strongly feel we should strive to please Allah not west, killing our own muslim brothers would not solve the problem, probably would aggrevate it by creating sympathies for the fighters in the hearts of the displaced Swat and Boner citizens, who are the ones suffering most from this tragedy. Proper and effective negotiation techniques could have solved the problem. Remember, in order to bring peace U.S negotiated with insurgence in Iraq why can’t Pakistan Government treat its own people with some respect and dignity.

The current operation against extremist Taliban and other like them must continue till we finish them off. There is no room for extremisim in Pakistan. The government, military and the people of Pakistan have risen up against these extremist after many years of sleeping over and taking only few steps to eliminate them. Now that they are awake they must continue and finish them completely.

Its the Same war with new arguments. this so called peace deal was actually an operational pause so that new inforcements for army could be deployed to fight against militants. War mongering media portrayted Taliban as some kind of Alien force so that public opinion for this operation could be made

Actual target of AMerica is to create a vicious Civil war in pakistan and the target of this operation are the citizens of pakistan and these poor IDP’S would become a potential Threat for existence of country as they are already furious about military operation and that what exactly happened after lal masjid massacer. Goverment should stop dancing on the tunes of America and stop this operation as soon a possible

Operation “Rah-e-Haq” was launched when Prime Minister Gillani in a televised address to the ‘nation’ vowed to establish writ of the state in Malakand region. So the people of Pakistan wonder that can a writ of state be challenged by innocent people of swat that are exposed to indiscriminate artillery shelling and Ariel bombardment. The realities on the ground are very harsh as compared to the situation portrayed by so called free media. Masses are questioning that writ of the state is not challenged when hell is unleashed upon innocent people of tribal areas by American drones? , when the budget and economic policies of the country are made by the IMF? , when 48 percent of the agriculture land is abdicated by the government to the feudal lords? , when our sister the citizen of Pakistan Dr.afia is exposed to so called civilized world? , when Indian consulates together with our “ally” Americans have unleashed a deadly conflict in Pakistan?. Masses are convinced that actually government is trying to establish the writ of all those external vultures which are bent to destroy

Govt Must stop killing innocent people of Sawat and using the blood of our brave soldiers for Obama’s failed Crusade in Afghanistan

This would have been an ideal project for Pak and Indian Armies to work together. The outcome impacts both and the Indian army has experience dealing with these folks in Kargil and Kashmir.

PK GOVT should keep the Swat operation just for cleansing of criminal elements, and not harm the civilians at all.
Pak Army should help recover the abducted/kidnapped minors during the operation.

Hat’s off to Dawn News …for coverage of the Swat operation from the war front and exposing Taliban atrocities ….and highlighting valor of Pak Army by saving the Swati family who were being forced to marry their daughter to Taliban

The action in Swat is simply the immediate solution that is to wipe out all Taliban from Swat. It is critical that the Army kills the entire Swat Taliban leadership and destroys their command structure. I would like nothing better then to see Fazlluah and Muslim Khan’s heads placed on pikes at the entry point to Swat to serve as a lesson for any future would-be imitators.

Once Fazlullah and his gang have been chopped up, the government must rebuild the law enforcement and basic health and education infrastructure in the area.

As a next step, the government and army must take the fight to Baitullah Mehsud in Waziristan and demolish his band of terrorists. Just as in Swat, the Army has to eliminate Baitullah and his fellow commanders. I’d like nothing better than to see Baitullah’s head on a platter.

The long-term fix has to focus on wiping out the insidious imported Wahhabi ideology from all the madrassas, and start giving the kids a real education.

The Taliban are simply more organized than any of the anti-Taliban except for the Armed Forces of Pakistan. How come we are allowed to talk in regional & religious terms but not in class terms (the ‘owners’ and the ‘working class’). How come the bus owners of Karachi are allowed to organize but the bus conductors, the bus drivers and the bus passengers are not allowed to organize. The Taliban are those who found themselves a vacuum to fill. Joe Hill, the great labor leader of early 19th Cent, had it inscribed on his tombstone: “Organize, Don’t Mourn”. So much for those who have traditionally mourned through the centuries for slain religious heroes of the non-Taliban ancestry. They have now begun to make sure in the name of religion that the ‘working class’ does not organize in Iran, Iraq and Afghanistan. In India even the Police ‘working class’ and the ‘eunuchs’ are organized.

G.Kayani is very clear-headed person he had played significant role to reinstate judiciary. I have realized that he is humble and kind hearted in a sense that he can feel the pain of the Nation, I m sure, he has diagnosed the problem. Currently he should be adopt problem focus approach and continue operation at least for one year but he should be flexible in his strategy. He needs to establish campsite on mountains and advise government to recruit locals in Frontier Corps and train them so that they can take care of their own people. Refugee should be recall with in two months.
G.Kayani has good opportunity to do something for poor people but need not to involve him into political sludge the way Musharraf did in past eight years. He wrote his famous comedy style book “in the line of fire” where he try to show himself patriotic. Musharraf and shoukat aziz EX-President and PM of the Pakistan were living their luxury life in the UK. They both were actually, blood sucker of the poor people of the Pakistan.

I hope G.Kayani will protect Democracy and at the same time, he will be success to put country on right track.

First, Swati Militants are not Taliban so confusing the two is counterproductive.
Second, the peace accord was the best solution and over-time it would have helped Pakistan regain the writ of state without any need of military action.
Third, the timing of the operation makes it appear that it has been taken at the urging of Hillary Clinton, and to get some needed cash in the legendary ‘begging bowl’. Anyone who followed Zardari’s trip cannot escape that conclusion.

The best approach would have been to give the peace accord at least a few months, at that time things would have become much clear. I think the army action was very ill adviced. The militants will just melt away and innocent people will suffer. Counter-insurgency requires a lot of intelligence and commando type operation. Displacing 1.5 Million people and killing countless innocent is not the right way forward.

Now that the ulema have also come out (though only slightly late by about 20 years) to declare that killing women and children is haram these peoples days are numbered. However there is one question though – what about killing kafirs or infidels. I think that is allowed. Is it or not!

Ms. Parween Shakir says:

“Fazal, the fundamental truth is that I can still have a freedom to think and prosper within the rule of these apologiest, and if needed voice against it. I think you are grossly misinformed about the rule of Taliban.”

No, Ms. Shakir, I am not advocating the rule of Taliban. I only mentioned the obvious: in Pakistan, they are the only partially organized force that is engaged in real struggle against Western imperialism, whose godfather is the US imperialism. In Afghanistan, they are the main force. Overwhelming majority of the so-called “educated” Pakistanis-those in the areas of so-called social and human sciences-have been brainwashed by the Western textbooks, written by the advocates and apologists of imperialism. Those, in natural sciences and technology, are almost totally ignorant of socio-economico-political, philosophical, or mass psychological knowledge. They just work as machines, albeit money making ones, in the service of political or corporate powers, whose very nature consists of domination, control, and profits. Either way, the so-called educated elites are only pseudo-elites, ignorant and devoid of any real knowledge, insights, or intuition of the real nature of imperialism and its destructive effects on the Third World (including Pakistan), real democracy, freedom, human nature, culture, and the environment. They also do not seem to have the passion and feelings for freedom from foreign domination and control. Indeed, most are willing collaborators with those, if they can or expect to make enough money. This is a very sick and unhealthy mass psychology. In contrast, in this respect, Taliban seem to have correct insights, intuition, clarity, some basic information-and most importantly-the passion, feelings, and GHAIRAT. They can teach the brainwashed “educated” pseudo-elites a lot in this area. On the other hand, in other respects, like freedom of thought and expression, the need for development and change-including cultural change-, social justice, women’s rights etc., they need to be educated themselves. There needs to be a national dialogue, both in organized and unorganized individual forms, with mutual teaching and learning. Only in this way can the ignorance on both sides can be reduced, paving the way for focusing on the appropriate development and change, which will not be imported and imposed from the West, but would be determined internally, consistent with the higher cultural and religious values.

As far as your personal “fundamental truth” is concerned, how many people in Pakistan have the freedom to think or prosper? Overwhelming majority is so bogged down in toil, misery, unfreedom, and social injustice that such pretty words are totally alien to them. And many who claim to have the freedom of thought have only an illusion of it and in fact have just the opposite.

I have lived most of my life in the West and have done in-depth critical studies on its history, culture, mass psychology, psychology, political economy, philosophy, and imperialism. I have published an original macro-level theory of my own on these subjects. Believe me, underneath all the glimmer and glitter of the West, there is a very sick, ugly, evil, anti-human-nature, and anti-freedom creature that has evolved there. There are also many in-depth critical studies of the US and Western societies, culture, political economy, and mass psychology by very competent, knowledgeable and profound American and European writers. However, by and large, the Pakistani intellectual elites are not familiar with them.

I think it’s a golden chance for the Army and present government as APC has voiced their support in favour of meaningful military operation.Our Army should follow the example of Srilankan Army which successfully crushed Tamil rebels.Swat Militants are not less then state rebels,which need stern action against them.
This present APC meeting of different politcal parties would definitely be a morale booster for our troops fighting the islamic fanatics in swat valley.Intelligence agencies must gearup their skills to target taliban commanders that would be a huge sigh of relief for IDPs and nation as well who are eyeing at this operation desparately……My prayers are with Pakistan Army.May ALLAH help and succede them in crushing these byzantine creatures…Amin

My conviction is that the problem we are facing is much more profound and the solution must address all the core issues being faced by the Pakistani Nation. Has anyone thought of a plan the day after we ‘eliminate’ the Taliban? How are we going to address the issues that will help in the re surgence of the Taliban if we do not address them. These at the minimum are: -

Dysfunctional justice system
Corruption at every level
Power in the control of the few privileged
Poverty and illiteracy
Exploitation of the under privileged
Sub subservience of the government to foreign powers
The common man not understanding real Islam

I pray to Allah to help us and guide us to to find a permanent solution to this.

With respect to the question raised by Wazirzada, May 17, 2009 at 9:12 pm: “Then what is the solution….if not a military one?”:
The world in this part, is preparing for a Cultural Revolution that would make the 1960s appear like a Mole Hill. Both the Taliban and the anti-Taliban have developed an inferiority complex simply by appreciating the Vietcong & their predecessors, the Japanese suicide bombers of Pearl Harbor.

Hopefully, when the ‘Swat operation’ winds up resulting in a happy ending, the government would bring about some drastic changes with regard to the administration.
In order to get our house in order, we need eliminate aging abusive and customary systems of parallel governments in parts of Pakistan. Terrorists/militancy cleansing should also include the eradication of sickening laws enforced on the poor people by the feudal lords and Sardars, as well as Choudarys &Maliks. Pakistan can’t be ready to go on path of prosperity without the above suggested elimination. This way, general public would become stronger and gain economic fruit. As per my previous suggestion, we have to rid ourselves of abusive ‘vadera system’.

We have to discipline our society and be presentable to others with a national pride. In order to achieve this goal, national unity is a must which is a very challenging job for all of us; but is attainable.

Pakistan’s geo location is very strategic attracting other countries for economic reasons and for protecting their own vested interests, that is why, they seem so much interested in this part of the world. Nothing wrong as long as there is an amicable approach towards that goal.

If we are strong as suggested, we can be a major part of that business possibility with a major share for our Pakistan.
With all this achieved one day, in my onion, there would remain no need of military-operation such as Swat operation.

There would be only ‘a level playing field’ available to all individuals, national or global players.
Pakistan’s strength means no more gimmicks or games against our beloved country.
Long live Pakistan.

The Pakistani Army is 100% on the right track. In fact they are a little late getting on the track. These Taliban are savages and cannot be dealt with except with overwhelming lethal firepower.

If the local people of Swat are suffering because of Pakistani military action, then it is their own fault for tolerating Taliban amongst themselves, they should be pointing out Taliban and in future no village should allow them in or they should expect the entire village to be destroyed, because Pakistan cannot afford to leave this cancer alone, not even the smallest amount.

Please support the brave Pakistan Army by flying flags from your houses and cars, and stand with the Army for without the Army our nation will be plunged into a black hole of religious intolerance, bigotry, savagery, and unimaginable horrrors, the Taliban are nothing but a gang of criminals who excel in cutting peoples throats as if they were passing candies to children, these people are not even human, let alone Muslim. How can a Muslim be so cruel to chop off the heads of poor policemen and soldiers who only want to protect society with their own lives.

I am more angry at people who support the Taliban, the govt should make it a law to shoot at sight any Taliban supporter as they are traitors to Islam and Pakistan.

Pakistan Zindabad, Army zindabad.

There will be many civilians casualities in the military operation. Drones have killed about 730 civilians and i think 20 or 25 were militants. In Sawat civilians will die and the army still has not achieved any high value target. So how can we believe on the statement of COAS Gen-Kayani. Many innocent people will die and after passing some time INTELLIGENCE AGENCIES will dictate the govt to make an other agreement with Taliban. I am right or not but i think so………..

I think it was good move on part of the government to have a national consensus. I am in big favour of convening an all parties conference. Threat of Taliban Ideology is more menancing then the armed thugs who call themselves soldiers of God or “Jihadists”. Talking to people back home, it seems that there is a general consensus on the Pakistani army conducting military operation but I am under the impression that people in Pakistan think that this ideology of Talibans and Implementation Of Shariah is all right, its just the method which is wrong. This is very bad news, It is the responsibility of the Ullemas to come forward and declare that ” There is no compulsion in Religion” and the constitution is soveriegn.

I am very worried about the effect of Taliban propaganda. Government should make every effort clamp down on any FM radio Taliban are running. I am very surprised that the government was not able to or doesnt want to triangulate the position of the Taliban Radio.

We should not forget the people trapped between taliban and the military and every effort should be made to minimize the damage.

Lastly in Swat there are groups of men who are looting and initimidating women under the pretext of lawlessness and War. I want government to send out a clear signal that as soon as peace is restored government will bring its iron fist on any element responsible for looting, rape etc.

Yes Aamir!
I would like to discuss the Balochistan situation too. But let’s wait for the topic on the issue to come up.

Emergency declaration! what would that do?
The army is taking good care of the problem.

If a “drone” defined militarily is a death-dealing instrument guided by remote control, then the Taliban mind(lessness) qualifies. Heavily armed medieval drones, eh?

Well Done Pak Army we are with you.Crush these “mullahs” and enemies of Islam and Pakistan. They should only be killed and in future no “mullah” be allowed to challenged the writ of the Govt anywhere in the country. So keep spirits high. We are with you.

My rejoinder to Honey. Agree that we have to look at a long-term solution, but not right now. Lets get one thing done at a time and you will agree that getting rid of the Taliban is more important at the moment. We have to get our thoughts right because I still hear and read elements who would support the extremists and curse the army operation.

I am glad that the Pakistani army has finally woken up, and are doing what as army people they should be doing, defending the nation against people who try to take over the government through the gun.

The fact that the Taliban managed to come within 100 km of the capital was disgraceful, almost as humiliating as the abject surrender of Bangladesh in 1971.

India will never attack Pakistan. The international consequences as well as economic consequences of doing that is unthinkable. The same would have been true in todays age even if both countries did not have nuclear arms. A surgical strike will lead to war. Everyone knows that Pakistan is no Palestine and India is no Israel. Even during the kargil conflict Indian troops never crossed the international border. Yes there always will be a lot of loud voices and flexing of muscles.

Spy agencies in both countries are very good at creating problems in each other countries, but very poor in defending their own citizens. But the Indian agencies are not so stupid to support the taliban. Having the taliban at Indias doorstep is a horror situation for India.

Pakistan needs to realise that wounding India with a thousand cuts is not going to work anymore. Also Pakistan needs to get over its denial mode and stop accusing everyone in the world for their problems.You need to take responsibility and be accountable.

Pakistan should move more troops from its eastern borders, and clear the entire mess in its western borders, not only in swat. Having no counter insurgency experience, the Pakistan army is going to find the going tough as well as a steep learning curve, like the Indian troops did in the 1980’s. Best of luck to them.

I am surprised why Pakistan government has not declared ‘Emergency’ in this testing times. What is going on is nothing short of a war.

Good News – Zardari will take the bull by horn – by moving army operation to Waziristan. May Allah Bless him and Help him to make Pakistan truly “Pak” (sacred and clean) land free from evils who are out to destroy Pakistan and who are using the sacred religion of Islam to achieve their evil goals. Long live Zardari. Long live Pakistan

Why is it that no pakistani women post any messages here? Don’t they have an opinion?

I think before starting the movement, Taliban did not judge the national mood of Pakistanis. Pakistan has a little bit of different culture as compared to Afghanistan. Even Pashtuns over here are different from that of Afghanistan.
Anyways, Taliban cannot succeed unless and until they have the hearts and minds of people. People do not accept their extreme Islam. The good thing is that a normal Pakistani is more religion aware. They may stumble when it comes to execution as moral character of people is not matching the knowledge they have about the religion. I can see the Light at the other end. InshaAllah

i fully support this operation in swat
although it is late but not too late .
but here i would like to bring another thing to the notice of the worthy readers
THE BALOCHISTAN SITUATION
a lot is happening there but we are neglecting this boiling pot…. balochistan an area with one of the best natural resources available in the world is in the hands of warlords

its a long discussion but the main issue remains ….. we need to look at the balochistan as a burning issue otherwise we might have to loose another limb of our homeland like bangladesh …..

Im proud of Pak Army. I hate politicans using taliban for personal gains
by the way , why has CJ iftikhar chaudry, bailed Maulana Abdul Aziz?

I’m really surprised at the muddy thinking of many Pakistanis. With short memories they have forgotten what has been happening in the country over the past few years. Suicide bombing, burning schools, locking up half the population (read women) and inhumane acts. The list can go on and on. The Pakistanis have to make a choice between two ideologies: the ideology of the Taliban or freedom. You cannot have both ways. There are no ifs or buts.
Now that the politicians and the armed forces have become active, the fight against the Talibans must continue to the end and we have to manage the IDP problem as best as we can. It is better to suffer the pain now and have a proper future. There is no other option.

The Pakistan Army is treading on a very delicate path. What Pakistani Army can do is not questionable. Can a regular Army effectively fight an insurgency is the question. The situation in the areas controlled by Talibans is very complex. Poor and illiterate people who are fed up of the miserable state of affairs in the country feel that the Taliban’s way is the only way they can redeem themselves. The more we crush the Taliban the more there is sympathy created for them and the more recruits it will draw. One thing we need to understand is that if this war is long and protracted the Army will lose the current support from the people. This is the most dangerous thing that can happen. East Pakistan is a lesson that should not be forgotten. History has shown that even the most powerful armies have been defeated when it lost the respect and regard of its people. Then what is the solution….if not a military one?

Just like unhygienic conditions bring Cholera and Typhoid; similarly; insincerity, corruption, injustice and hypocrisy brings about chaos, instability and lawlessness which is an ideal ground for terrorism to flourish.

A new day will dawn in Pakistan when we realize that we have to help ourselves…we can no longer play the blame game. We need to address the crucial issues that are eating the nation like cancer from inside. We are responsible for our own fate. We have to take charge of the situation otherwise uneducated and paganistic people will interpret Islam in a draconian way. We have to unite and weed out the ills in our society. After 62 years of independence people in Pakistan still do not have their fundamental rights. Corruption is rife and the few affluent ones have always decided the fate of the multitude. We need to address these basic issues first. Rest everything will fall in place and terrorism will vanish automatically. We can do this if we really want to save the country.
Our inaction, our exploitation of the poor people, our mismanaging the affairs of this country and our own misunderstanding about our religion for such a long time is helping the Taliban do what they are doing….destroying our country and destroying our religion. Can we standby and let this happen? Or do we have the determination to unite and address the reasons behind all this. Fight the reason for the disease and not the symptoms.Inter alia, everyone of us has to reflect inside and ensure that we know our religion well. We need to know enough so that we are not driven by crazy and brainwashed Mullahs. Illiterate people misinterpreting Islam are dangerous….but if educated people with knowledge and experience do not understand their religion and agree with the interpretation of the illiterate it is far more dangerous….There is a lot that we the more knowledgeable and educated people can do to help out in the present situation. We need be clear about what our religion preaches and be open minded and tolerant in our views. Islam is for all times to come. We cannot afford to be inflexible in our views. If we are inflexible; we are part of the present problem our Nation is in and not part of the solution. We do not need to blame others……We do not need anyone’s help. We know the problem and we ourselves have the solution. We have to address the reasons for what state we are in….then no country will dare arm the insurgents, finance them and violate the sovereignty of the country by sending drones to Pakistan whenever they wish. What sort of government will allow all this to happen?
May sense prevail and may Allah help Pakistanis to come out of this affliction that is threatening the existence of this country. The Nation has shown time and again that it can come out of any calamity. In these crucial times we need friends who can understand our situation and treat us with respect rather than dictating to us. Pakistan Zindabad

Dr Asad said,
“After decades of lethargy, Pakistan Army has come up with the right approach. This operation has to go on, IDPs or no IDPs, till the very end. What Honey and Malik say about our colonial past and changes in our mentality, do not forget we have not done a thing about it in the past 60 years. Now, however, is not the time for such luxurious thinking. We first have to get rid of the Taliban, once and for all. Pakistanis get your thoughts right”.
Of course we need to get rid of them. This is short term solution. There is also element of long term solution which must not be ignored, and is by the way not mutually exclusive, i.e. you can and should have both short and long term solution. Long term solution lies in our failure to educate our people. But now we dont have luxury to wait for a few more generation before we achieve 100% literacy. We need to get this down our throat by force. That’s why I suggested we use a more paternalistic approach. As for our failure 60 years failure, yes, we failed. Doesn’t mean we don’t need to try anymore. If we can accept doctor’s prescription however bitter the medicine is, why can’t we do the same when it comes to solving our social problems? You need to give deeper analysis than merely suggesting people to get their thoughts right.

Timing of this operation is not right. The people of Swat are not used to 50 degree temperature and that too in tents. Very soon these IDPs will become frustrated. With that they will turn against their own hosts. If governments could wait many years, could have waited few months more. Sky was not falling on them. All wars we fought against India were in nice weather. Army did not attempt any adventure when weather was too hot or too cold. Lawyers first long march failed because of hot weahter. They learned the lesson and chose a nice weather for second attempt.

We support the religion of our birth.Think a child left alone on an island survives,lives and dies.What is religion for that human?What is religion for other species which have digestive system,reproductive system,brain etc.
Religion perhaps is required for peaceful living,happiness.But what is happening everywhere today? We are killing fellow humans.There are bound to be differences but we should have coexistence.

This war is for the survival of Pakistan and the nation cannot afford to lose it at any cost. The enemy is very clever and can surpise us by capturing some vital establishments or abducting VIPs as hotages. As a precaution security level of all VIPs be raised and Dr. Khan be moved to an army camp. No offers for negotiation should be considered other than full and total surrender

Pakistan’s military strategy in Swat is doomed to fail because of the rugged terrain where the insurgents can hide and continue the guerilla war for a long time. Let us look at the facts, the most powerful military in the world (US) and its allies have been fighting in Afghanistan for more than 7 years to wipe out Taliban. General McKierman recently said that “But I do believe that ultimately the solution here in this country (Afghanistan) will be a political solution and not a military one,”
The US government recently ousted the military commander in Afghanistan because of the worsening situation and increasingly strong Taliban.
The military operation can’t bring durable peace in the valley; there has to be political solution. Now is the time for political solution before we displace millions of Pakistanis from their homes and waste the limited military resources in a protracted war with no end in sight.

We must remember that Taliban is not a terrorist movement as claimed by the western media but was founded as an Islamic religious movement dedicated to fight communism and drug trade with American support. Pakistani Taliban’s grievances must be addressed by religious scholars and the government.
The problems we are facing today are due to the fact that billions of dollars of Russian military equipment were given freely to various groups willing to fight Russian army in Afghanistan during the Regan era. The arms were supplied by the US, Saudi Arabia and Egypt. After the Russians pulled out from Afghanistan, the arms were sold to Pakistanis at a fraction of its cost.
The Pakistani government’s top priority should be to send a delegation of religious scholars to the affected areas to negotiate a ceasefire, elimination of private armies and eventually a peace deal.
Secondly the government should buy all the illegal weapons of military design from the general public in order to maintain law and order in the country. The foreign governments who poured the arms in our country must pay for this project.
It’s ridiculous to demand Pakistan to stop the Taliban infiltration from Pakistan when the US allies can’t secure the Afghan border and its control is limited to Kabul.

divide and conquer….

After going through the following comments, I have found that a few people have critisized the Pak. army operation in Swat. Between the lines they tried to support / defend the taliban, as openly they find it difficult to justify these fanatics. I would like to respond to these talibans supporters:

Peacefull resolution or negotiations with these extremists untrustworthy people is not at all possible. So many attempts have been made to do so, but talibans have broke all the pacts. No more exprementations please.

Its true that our agencies / establishments with the help of US created these talibans in the Gen. Zia era to serve their purpose. But it does not mean that they have license to kill in Pakistan on a perpetual basis, they are free to terrorize the whole nation with the suicide bombing, they have responsibility to do their so called jihad everywhere in the world using Pakistan as their base camp. No sir, this is not on anymore. Please don’t give bad excuses to save talibans. Let them reap whatever they have sowed.

Some people say that on the behest of US the army is killing their own people. What they mean by our own people. There are a lot of crimnals in Pakistani jails, there are Pakistanis who have been hanged on courts orders. Whoever will take law in his hand should be punished, no matter he is a pakistani or not. Since in Swat there is an armed rebellion, so it would be crushed with an army action. Don’t confuse it with Pakistanis or muslims etc.

No doubt, local people are suffering due to the army action, but there is no other way out. All other options have already been exhausted In long run, it is for their own good in particular and for the whole Pakistan in general. Let us all help them & avoid to incite them to blame Govt. for the army action.

Jan key zian ka hum ko bhi afsoos to hey par kia kijiey
Her rah jo wan to jati hey, maqtal sey guzar key jati hey.

I would say, these advocates & supporters of taliban are really part of the problem. They give moral support to the cruel taliban and at the same time misguide simple people of Pakistan on the name of Islam. I request, all of these people to please don’t do it anymore, you are doing a great injustice to Pakistan & muslims.

We have a firm belief in our army, Insha-Allah they will eliminate talibans. At the same time all Pakistanis have to make a collective effort to get rid of taliban ideology from the society.

Going through the comments I am still suprised that people are still confused about the army operation in Swat. If I ponder why the answer is that they are not in pakistan and thats why its easy blame “Army” and operation.

if people put this question to themselves and give honest reply I think there would be no confusion, do we want a pakistan with Taleban roaming every where – do we want the suicide bobming to continue – do we want that the drug mafia sponsering these Taleban continue – do we want the turmoil to continue – do we want beheadings to continue

If the answer to above questions is no then why be confused.

I stand by my country and Army, they are fighting the war to make people like us to carry on our normal life. For the first time we unanimously have supported this action as 90% believe that this operation is imperative. Yes the action is late, yes Taleban were supported, yes we are sowing our seeds, but lets bygone be bygone lets move ahead and in that process if we need to sacrfice we should for the greater good.

I appeal all persons lets answer the questions whats good for pakistan and help the army in bringing back true Pakistan, lets unite and dont confuse with psuedo intellect by raising questions about the operation and information about the operation. Its time for us to clear our minds and decide, I was disappointed to read the comments above that “Would Army take action if their famlies were in Swat” lets critcize with objectivity”

Lets support Pak Army the only institution that is viatl for Pakistans stability.. Now if Pak Army is fighting then support lets support and save pakistan

Pakistan Zindabad

We fully Support Pakistan Army Final Operation against these Talibani. Pakistan Army has the full support of all Pakistanis and we are praying for the success of Our great Pakistani Army. Pakistan Army Zinda Baad

Fazal says about Taliban:

“In that, they have incomparably more understanding, insight, GHAIRAT, and bravery than all of the meek apologists and collaborators of imperialism. That is a fundamental truth.”

Fazal, the fundamental truth is that I can still have a freedom to think and prosper within the rule of these apologiest, and if needed voice against it. I think you are grossly misinformed about the rule of Taliban.

Better Late then never. What is happening is the best our people can do with this situation. But still things can go out of control if we have more sucide bombers on the loose. If and when sense prevails amongst our men. we have a long road to travel to place we all Pakistani want and need.

Paksitan government should be honest to the people of Pakistan and it Army. It should acknowledge that it is cooperating with combined forces in Drone attacks to flush out the talabian from it territory.
Maintaining that attacks are made with out its knowledge is not right. It also gives message of its impotency to its people.
Stop pandering to the mullah’s and the secular element of the society should impose its its values of living in peace and harmoney
It should also do the followings:
Settle Kashmir issue
Stop stock piling nuclear weapon. It has enough to destroy itself and India.
Form a government of National Unity with
emotionally strong people such as Choudhary
Rashid, Ex-minister and Iqbal Ahsan of MLN,
Stop talking what BB would have done if alive, but do the right things to meet the occassion.
Graciouly acknowledge the American contribution to Pakistan Society with out compromising on issue of national respect.
Stop badgering women and force them to wear veils and other such marments that destroy personal confidence.

Stop use of mosques for purposes other then praying by Mullahs.
Stop smuggling of good and currency.

As a Pakistani student abroad, i think it is time we dictated ourselves to the taliban as well as foriegn powers. Now is not the time to see the past, but rather support our army. I think the Airforce should intensify it’s role. We should support our nation.

In my view the Army operation in Swat is a just call and we all have to support our govt & Armed forces in this regard.This is our war & we have to fight it & win it. And as far as some of the (hypocrate) politicians & media people shouting out for taliban and asking the military operation to be stopped i have only one suggestion “Please dont spoil our country anymore,you have done enough damage already, dont try to impose on us their brand of living”

I think no millitary operation is everlasting solution of any problem, besides that no public openion was created neither main political parties were taken on board before this operation, in which,very first result is a catastrophic human desplacement,a great calamity and chaos, for pakistan.

i think the armed forces of Pakistan are doing what they have to do and their goal is legitimate. No country can allow few ignorants to impose their will.

It is important to realize that any force which challenges the state authority has to be dealt with iron hand otherwise chaos and anarchy will be the order of the day. Military operation is indispensable in SWAT. Militants or Talibans or Mujahideen or any other name u can use, it is imperative to face any mortal threat to general public which disrupts routine life and force people to cave in their homes in fear of death. Maintenance of Law and Order is pre-requisite of any viable state.

Why this mess? Two reasons are important to ponder upon.

1. Pakistan’s Geostrategic Location
2. Identity Crisis

Our geo-strategic location is both bane and boon for us. Since the inception, we mired into crisis and problems much more graver than our strength and resources. Aftermath of World War-II gave rise to cold-war between USA and Soviets and our leaders sided with USA and signed pacts of SEATO AND CENTO. Percieved Threat from India has led us to ally our selves with the west. Our region has remained the petty self-governed kingdoms of fuedals, Sardars, Maliks and Choudarys. Therefore, we never tasted the democracy in british raj. Surrounded by China, India, Iran, Afghanistan and Central Asia put us or forced us to play part in Great Games, OLD or NEW. In my opinion, today, new great game is going on between the USA and emerging powers. Central Asian states have immense reserves of natural resources which are to be channelized to the world through Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Next, we are still groping in the dark for our identity as a nation. We were dragged into ideological battles by our clergy and politicians to achieve totally secular end; POWER. As per Jinnah, Pakistan was meant to be for the Muslims of India especially this region to avoid hostile Hindu majority which was percieved as a threat after British departure. Our post-partition leaders, twisted the thoughts of founding fathers to suit their political interests, they told us that Pakistan was created to protect Islam rather than Muslims, therefore, we adopted the ideology of islam as ideology of Pakistan. But whither Islam? Islam of Sunni or Shia or Barelvi or Salafi or Wahabi or Sufi or Ahl-Hadith or Ahl-Sunnat etc. Suppose that we are implementing Islamic Law which law will govern which sect in which courts. This simple thought of implementing Islam creates divisions among so-called pious muslims. Lets accept, we are hypocrites. We are short-sighted people who do not sacrifice our personal interests over collective interests. We should take collective responsibility of what is going on around us rather than blaming certain group,sect or government at large. We should say NO to tyranny and terror in any form. But, practice first what you preach instead of preaching without practicing.

Problems in FATA and Swat region are mostly dedicated to a corrupt jirga system. The tribal leaders to meet their own ends have been manipulating jirga for a long time. They are involved in drug paddling, illegal arms smuggling and kidnapping for ransom. Why this was not checked by their own system, by their ‘Spin giras’ the revered elders. On the more political front Jamat-i-Islami is the negative factor which has a certain clout in the tribal region(see in every tribal demonstration flags of this party) This jamat as done considerable damage to Pakistan with their negative policies and practical involvement in Kashmir insurgency. Now they are against the army action in Swat and other regions.
We need to look into the core of the substance and remove these ills from our society. Tribals had very effective jirga administration during the British and and the early days of Pakistan. They had great respect among the Pakistanis and even among the countries abroad.
I think this is a good chance for the present administration to make positive development work in FATA and assure the tribals of their due respect in our society and elsewhere. They are committed as the first defence line of Pakistan and had played an important role in the creation of Pakistan. We have to be careful honest to them and they will go out of the way for creating a more harmonious and a progressive Pakistan. Regards-Zia

1. We allowed militants to gain strength and numbers so that they were within an hours’ drive from the capital itself!
2. They were able to run unathorized FM stations all over for years and preach extremism.
3. We made several half-hearted attempts to fight them and stopped, emboldening them.
4. We agreed to surrender in the national Assembly, cowed by their threats and the invisibility of our defenders.

We forget that nations sometimes have to pay very heavy prices for the preservation of their unity, the American Civil War being an example. The Sri Lankan Civil War is just ending. We all know how many people were killed in these wars.

We still don’t have enough soldiers deployed in the war. If we don’t have enough, why don’t we raise another division and show once and for all that we mean business as a state?

It goes without saying we should arrange massive support for the civilan displaced persons. The international support was never stronger. We dithered until we got an ultimatum and then there was no time for the arrangements.

I’d say we should stop being squeamish and stop fiddling around.

I have been regular reader of Dawn and found it better online paper then most papers.

I think you are fighting a war in wrongly. One never should use shelling bombing etc to attach terrorist. Just a common sense. Taliban is not an army. They are individuals. When Army fights with other army the positions etc are clearly defined and they rarely use civials as a sheild. What you are doing now is putting innocent civilans at risks. Current strategy reduces army casualities but will cause civilians to not support Army. The only way to fight this war is hand on combat. Which means heavy casualities from Army. Russia lost war in afghanistan because of same reason.

Folks,

Looking beyound this problem, the fundamental problem of pakistan is injustice.
1. How can you expect people to rule you efficiently if they dont have any stake in the country? Their wealther and families live outside so why should they care what happens to the country?
2. How long can a country survive on continous foreign aid that comes with attached strings and that get looted by few?
3. How long a country can survive when you have few powerful suppressing weak majority? Zamindar, tehsildar etc what kind of hypocrisy is this when this is tolerated but not taliban?

Pakistan thinks Taleban is their biggest problem, when it is actuallu a case of inefficient leadership.

Wake up!!

I am very surprised that none of the democratic leaders have visited the IDPs.

Pakistan is very very lucky that we have such a great army and ISI. The chief is a great person and knows what to do and say.

Pakistan is doing the right thing and the whole nation must stand with the Pak army.

I wish that someone from the so called democratic govt. take a strong stand against foriegn powers and show some dignity, instead of the rhetoric of more aid more aid.

One can ask the following questions.
How did the militants get into Swat.Where was the intelligence.
How do militants get their arms and any other equipment.
Can the Army cut off the supply lines of the militants?
How can 4000 or so militants intimidate the local population?
It seems there is need to win over the local population by providing social infra structre like housing,clinics,schools,jobs etc.

Pakistan was created as “Democratic Republic of Pakistan”, later changed to Islamic Republic of Pakistan“`,now some want to change it to Islamic Caliphate of Pakistan“. There is no stopping this till Pakistanis REVERT back to the original agenda and name it “Republic of Pakistan. That will take all the wind out of the sails of the Taliban and their fundamentalist mentors.`Democracy… Democracy….

Musharaf and the so called democratic leaders have dragged Pakistan down. These leaders are visionless are responsible for taking Pakistan to the brink of disaster and state of complete chaos.
I am from Swat and know exactly what is happening to my people and land. There is no justification for the actions and decisions of the leaders. Now is near to impossible to get rid of this quagmire except devine intervention along with ‘developing iman of mominnin’.
The government should have planned for the IDPs in advance which is turning into a humanitarian catastrope. The pro govt may kill few talibs but in my opinion have made above million its enemies.

I demand for all Pakistani brothers and sisters –of all Provinces, religious backgrounds and political affiliations — to support our brave Armed Forces to rid the country of these taleban.

You saw what happened during so-called peace deals. Taleban are not men of their word. We need strong leadership who can take tough stand, because this is so ridiculous that things got to where they have.

We are Mashallah a STRONG country and the Fauj is showing that when they are given orders, they can accomplish anything. I love Pakistan and all Pakistanis. Lets win this fight, this is our country.

Pakistan Zindabad

The root cause of propagation of (not creation of) Taliban may be some or all the following:
1. Feeling that they being the minority the main stream Pakistan are ignoring them.
2. No hope from Pakistan. So they may feel that it is better to fight than to die without a fight.
3. In the tribal areas which were more of less left out of the purview of direct control of Pakistani federal government, the people where probably living in an era similar to that prevailed in the 14th century where killing others was important own survival. So they have no fear in killing and ensure that others are scared of them.

I don’t think you can militarily finish of Taliban. Talibans are people like me who under certain circumstances raised a sort of war. If you do not remove the cause, Taliban will return and this time they may be better prepared.

If some one refuses to give-up arms, then catch them and put them to justice.

Better focus on attacking the causes and a long term plan will surely eliminate Taliban forever.

Regards,

I think the most important challenge with pakistani leadership is sustainability.

They are already talking about making an agreement with Taliban if they lay down their arms. In the process they weaken themselves and bring the sense of uncertainty in the public eye. It is barely two weeks old initiative, under pressure from outside. They must never make an accord with any party or agengy for anything other than Democratic reform. Then I will know that Pakistani Government is walking the talk.

It is about time the leadership wakes up and starts thinking of people, as people first and muslims afterwords. The world is too torn between Regious rights or lefts and twisted interpretations. Any religion that undermines human dignity is an indication that its preachers have hijached it and failed to deliver what the almighty really wanted.

I hope this time the leaders can strengthen themselves and anchor to strong human values even in adversity.

To this I am willing to salute the leadership.

I am surprised at the attitude of various Malvis critising the operation. Do they fear the loss of power? Why have they not ever critised Talibans atrocities over the years. We muslim believe what ever happens is for the better and happen by his command. I fully support the continuation of army opration. They should not stop until they are sure that all terrorists have been to eliminated.

i fully support the military action in NWFP. I feel very sorry for the refugees but we cannot let that change our opinion. we must carry on supporting our army. i am sure in time the citizens of pakistan will start helping the state in organising aid for the refugees as was done after the earth quake. inshallah Pakistan will come out victorious and then we can concentrate on improving the economy and lives of ordinary citizens.

I support the the Military action led by Gen. Kayani & His team against Taliban but I have two questions as well and one is Do you believe that by killing few hardliners will eliminate the Taliban forever ? Or We need to kill the very basic ideology of taliban to wipe out talibinisation ?
Question no 2 is How we can defeat the taliban or like minded people without undestanding origin & cause of Taliban….The have been made in ’80’s by agencies against USSR as Jehadi.
Here I am not saying that they deserve any better treatment as Taliban but to eliminate Taliban,We have strike in the genisis rather then few so called leader etc.

The vast majority of Pakistanis living within or outside Pakistan fully support the military offensive in Swat. We dont want illiterate mullahs to rule us, to dictate “their” Islam to us, to keep filling their tummies in the name of Allah ki rah.
The vision of our Quaid, Iqbal and all other “real heroes” who fought for this country was not that of a barbaric nation, an idea clearly supported by these preachers of hate. They burn girls schools, support whipping and lashing, kill others like anything in the name of their delusions, yet look at them and one notices nothing else but dust and dirt, outside to deep within………
We therefore fully support the Army in eliminating all these perpetrators of crime and hate………

The nation is united behind its armed forces and ready to make sacrifices like the army. However, I believe that unfortunately we have suspects within the political set up in power. These should be exposed.

After decades of lethargy, Pakistan Army has come up with the right approach. This operation has to go on, IDPs or no IDPs, till the very end. What Honey and Malik say about our colonial past and changes in our mentality, do not forget we have not done a thing about it in the past 60 years. Now, however, is not the time for such luxurious thinking. We first have to get rid of the Taliban, once and for all. Pakistanis get your thoughts right.

Two thumps up for our brave soldiers fighting for the liberty of our civil society and sacrificing their lives for the sake of peace and security of their fellow countrymen.
It’s easy to criticize our beloved army while sitting in conditioned drawing rooms and without knowing the reality on ground. I would simply request those so called observers/intellectuals/maulvis to go and spend just one night along with our troops fighting against those terrorists. Then they would be more enlightened and could comment in more informed way.
On top of everything, miseries in Swat are self inflected by their local population. Yes, this is one bitter reality but we must accept it. How could handful of terrorist make hostage of whole population (approx. 1.5 million people) of this area. Why these locals didn’t fight back right at the beginning while they were propagating their ideology of hate in this region?
Current Army reaction (not operation) is a temporary remedy but for sustain and lasting peace and prosperity, locals have to show their courage and safeguard their society for their own betterment. I hope our simple innocent fellows living in those areas will not be trapped again on the name of Islam/God.
Our society desperately need well educated religious scholars who must show them real face of Islam and tell them who we are and where should be our position in the array of proud developed nations of the world. If it doesn’t happen, then we shouldn’t expect end of our miseries very soon – as for such situation, Dr. Allama Sb well said,
“Kom kia ha, Komon ki haqeeqat kia ha
Ye kia janay bechara do rakat ka imam”

This military victory in not something to be proud about. with an enormous material and resource advantage over Taliban fighters the army is taking more time to finish them off . This increase the number of people being displaced and add to their plight . Our Army is not a capable on to handle anything like this. We have an army who was defeated in all wars it fought against. Though this military action can win some applause from different quarter, the after effects in terms of IDPs humanitarian side will be an uphill task to handle and makes Pakistan to go around the world with begging bowls. This victory also rise a question why Army took too long to initiate this action which is long overdue ,adding to the suspicion that Army was hand in glove with the Taliban fighters so long.

First of all I support the government decision for military operation in Swat area. However I like to pen down certain points which I will give govenment and intellutuals food for thought:

1. The complete nation should support Army in this operation by voicing their support to them. At the same time do not demand for the details of operation. However the govenment has all the right to ask about operation and provide political guidance to acheive national aim.

2. The more responsibility lies on the shoulders of Political govenment as they are the one who will consolidate the political and administrative work befor ,during and after the military operation.

3. The government has a immediate task in the shape of IDP. As per the reports of media the government is performing mesirably in this field. Theire is a dire need the govenment should moblize its all source i.e Political Parties, People of Pakistan, NGO,s etc to alleviate the sufferings of IDP person , so the have more trust on Pakistan , its govenment rather on TALIBAN.
4. Work out a strategy now how to go about running the administration, development of the area, what will be the Judicial system when the military operation is finished . This is the right time tobrain storm all the details and strategy be devised, debated with other political forces and of course in respective assemblies.
5. Here I must say that the Nizam e Adal regulation which was promolugated earlier should be enforce in letter and spirit being the demand of people of the area by the govenment with the active involvement of Supreme Court of Pakistan.

In the end I will Say “ALLAH help those who help themselves

The army is doing a great job, we are proud of our army. But i think we shouldn t just leave it up to the army to deal with these guys. We as citizens of Pakistan are so quick in blaming every one else but ourselves. The govement is not doing this, the govt is not doing that, lets look at ourselves what are we doing. What are we giving back to Pakistan, it is our responsibility to keep an eye on suspicious elments in society and help every one make Pakistan a safe country.
The second and very important thing about swat operation would be the future of that area. We must establish the writ of govt there with providing security and making sure that these guys never ever come back.

Who controls Pakistan? Pakistanis? The Politicians! Military Junta! Or the External Power! Afganistani or Iraqi prescriptions are not likely to work. They failed in those two countries and they will fail in Pakistan also. The people should be educated and awakened and only with the participation of Pakistani people a solution should be sought for.

i totally disagree with Expat Indian. India will not warn prior to attack on Pakistan.pakistan is in the critical situation.there is a clear threat of indian attack on pakistan and pakistanis are fully cognizant of it. india is the only country who is not giving any statement about this issue in Pakistan.We should keep our eyes open.Pakistan is at the greatest risk and indians are not trust worthy..

As far as shria is concernd,i don’t think it’s the proper way to implement it.Security forces should be appreciated for their action in these tribal areas.i want to ask so called muslim talibans that where their shria goes when the women are forced to live under open sky,where it goes when the childrens are fored to be beggers to get food.Islam doesn’t exist in lengthening beards and holding guns in their hands and in crushing innocent peoples and pounding public properties.All the people who are doing so have to pay for it on the day of judgement…

Am from India. I feel sad for the people of Pakistan and the situation they are in. The army offensive against the terrorist who kill innocent and impose their rule BY FORCE is only one part. Pakistan has to do more and fight another war against illteracy, poverty, economic backwardness, and the jihadi organisation.

Good luck.

The whole nation is behind Pak. army for the Swat operation. This time army and Govt. should not be trapped by taliban and their supporter on the name of negotiations to settle the issue. Enough is enough. Talibans are cruel, illitrate fanatics with a hidden agenda. No negotiations with them. Let the gun negotiate this time.

Most importantly, the army operation must be completed 100% and no taliban should be allowed to leave from Swat. Otherwise, they will target army and Govt. officials to revange, inline with the recent claim of Abdul Aziz of Lal masjid.

It is advisable that all Swat’s innocent people leave the area for the time being and distance themselves from talibans to minimize colletral damage.

We all should contribute to take care of IDPs and their camps must be under surveillance, to protect them from talibans.

No matter how much I hate to see my own people (especially women) get internally displced – I would love to see my country the way it is supposed to be. I am certain we are no where close to how we should act as a nation in presenting ourselves to the outside world and before that to our ownselves.

We all know we need a revolution of some sorts to get rid of our politicians and the rest of the thieves but following the “Taliban” way is definitly not it. If I had not seen, what these guys are capable of (afshanistan in 1999-2000), I myself might have supported them (not physically but morally). But now that I know that these people have no Ideology – I can never see them flourish and let them play my people and especially MY country (i.e. Pakistan).

What the Govt. is doing right now in Swat is Harsh but certainly the only way to deal with these barbarians. We as a nation need to support our Govt on this issue (morally) and help the IDP’s (physically).

Pakistan Zindabad – Bcoz without our country we are NOBODY, look at Afghans, once a proud nation today is plagued by social problems of all sorts and living a life with No Respect from anyone. I just hope we can get back to how we were “a moderate Islamic society with high regards to our Culture”

In view of my current research I urge the people of Pakistan to ban the use of Depleted Uranium (DU) Weaponry that in the main is manufactured and exported from the United States. Your country should be allowed to fight its own war with only conventional weaponry and ban the entry of US aircraft and DU weaponry into your country.
In one context it is in breach of your own Sovereignty. However, it is widely known that although on the surface your government condemns the entry of such things it is agreeable to the US under the table. It is the duty of care of any government to ban such activity, which is in violation of many of the existing Geneva conventions. It is the duty of care of the people of Pakistan to tell them government to do this. If you choose to ignore then only you yourself will be responsible for the dramatic rise in Cancers, Diabetes and badly mutilated children….already you are inhailing/digesting the fall out of DU from Afghanistan but in carrying out this brave action you will be saving many thousands of lives.

Peter Eyre

When Zulifiqar Ali Bhutto entertained the idea of the “Islamic bomb”, the top scientiests asked him to forget about it. Why? because the Pakistani boys coming out from the Univeristies with the science degree happened to sub-standard. This fact is stated in Tariq Ali’s most recent book. So we have the rise of Taliban but with no true learning. Pakistan is forever begging American aid and rely upon Pakistanis living abroad. “In order to love a country, a country has to be lovely”, as Burke has said; show me one lovely aspect since I am dying to love my country. Shakeel.

The million dollar question: Who and why do the Taliban exit? During the Afghan war with USSR the “Taliban” were formed with the help of the CIA and ISI to combat communisim. That worked during the war however when the war ended those same Taliban leaders wanted more.

They wanted “power” and wanted to exert their influence into other regions including Pakistan. Well now Pakistan has to deal with the Taliban since they cannot stay in Afghanistan due to thousands of US forces and our own creation (Taliban) is coming back to haunt us.

Yes, I fully agree that the military take full action and do what is necessary to combat the problem and try to solve it hopefully. However the problem will not get solved as long as our incompetent leaders do not do what is necessary to rid poverty, deal with health care isues, education, and create jobs.

When basic necessities are not available, what is the common man to do? You create an enviornment where people use religion to control other people and have their bidding done. Case in example: teach an uneducated person that everyone in the world is an enemy of Islam and you end up creating a martyr.

The time is now and very crucial for Pakistanis to put aside their differences and realize for once and all that Pakistan was created for everyone. Not just for punjabi’s, sindhi’s, baluchi’s, pathan’s or any ethic group but for everyone. We need to work together in order to make our country strong, vibrant, safe and most important of all to give our children a future to look forward to.

Even though I live abroad, I still miss Pakistan and it is who I am. I hope that one day people will see the light and realize that we have to move forward and make the country a better place for everyone.

I don’t know why we dont think!! If these taliban are being funded from afghanistan then its time to eradicate those in afghanistan and this includes our great ally the US.

By allowing the CIA and RAW to openly operate on one end and bombing villagers on the other end is simply stupidity, and will only lead to further chaos thus destabilising Pakistan

My contention is that the Taliban are not what they appear to be to the world. Those of us who label the Taliban as ‘primitive’ are indeed discrediting the world ‘primitive’.
The strategies resorted to by the Taliban are not stoneage, they are far more modern than most of us are. The ‘primitive’ had a more ecologically friendly way than what the modern does. The ‘primitive’ is associated with free love, as if love can be anything but free.

I am an Indian. I am deeply sadend by what happening in Pakistan. I am sure that the Pak military will defeat taliban. But in post war situation all the five arms of pakistan ie govenment, military, judiciary,media and religious group should honestly work within their juridiction for the welfare of the country. If they try to interfere in each other affairs and getting thigs messed up may create this kind of problem in the future also. A strong, economically vibrant and peaceful pakistan is the interst of India.

Who ever act against Pakistan, take law in its hand, dispute with the country, does not have a right to survive in the country. Such a person, group are rebels and insurgents who wants to destroy the country should not have a right to do live.
Deal was made for the peacefull negotiation but to armed and scattered in other areas. Under such circumstances the crach down is right and correct step. Be stand for PAKISTAN FIRST.

Since when did one part of Pakistan become an independent entity where the Constitution does not apply? Swat and the majority of NWFP has been overrun by a vile and disgusting force, the Taliban. The United States treats New York the same as Juneau, Alaska. Why should Swat be surrendured. Why should some pakistanis be allowed to suffer under this system. Pakistan army should hit them hard and hit them with a vengace. The state should use their powers to dismantle the Taliban structure and arrest figures, just like the FBI did during their battles against the KKK during the 1950s and 1960s. I have full confidence in General Kiyani and the armed forces of Pakistan. Pak fauj zindabad. Pakistan zindabad.

There is no doubt that Pakistan today is fighting the worst war in the history of modern warfare. They are fighting against so many enemies and yet they have difficulties in identifying the true enemy. Let me also say this that killing and be killed is not a easy job, and yes military armies are trained to do just that. But here, today, we are facing something which is way beyond simple killing. The repercussions of this war are not to be ignored.

We need to support our Jawans in this time of great despair. We need to let them know that they have the support of the Nation.

what i think that these taliban dont want to implement shariah actually u they are in actual foreign agents who deliberately want to destablize our country….so they should be washed out soon as to cut the foreign help…

I suppoer the army action; the way taliban cancer is spreading, we will be in civil war from Karachi to Khyber!!! can we afford that as a nation!!! are we a nation?

To Pak Army:

“GREAT JOB”……….just keep it up. Our 100 % support is with you.

Even the asked question is obscene. The ruling elites, Westernized “educated” elites, and a large part of the population of Pakistan have become addicted to the worst form of prostitution, in the service of their imperialist masters-all for dollars and pounds. What is happening in Swat is the worst manifestation of that. Even the military dictator Musharaf did not go that far. Soon, the number of displaced human beings is going to approach 2 million. The ruling thugs want to cash in even on that, begging for more foreign aid, so that they can plunder more of it for themselves. Most of these human beings, though poor, were living in dignity, in harmony with their beautiful natural environment. Now, they have been turned into miserable paupers, forced into unimaginably horrific conditions. These problems must be especially hard for Muslim women.

Taliban, whatever their shortcomings, at this stage of history, are fighting a war of national liberation, in both Pakistan and Afghanistan, against foreign occupation and aggression. In that, they have incomparably more understanding, insight, GHAIRAT, and bravery than all of the meek apologists and collaborators of imperialism. That is a fundamental truth. Most of the so-called “educated” and “enlightened” (a la Musharaf and Zardari) are glossing over it and ignoring it-hence proving their decadence, meekness, and an ignorance much greater and uglier than that they attribute to Taliban.

ive read the comments of bashir n other guyz who say that pakistan should reconcile… how can u guyz even think of having a dialogue with the talibans who have slaughtered n beheaded innocent people in front of there families? im a resident of swat n u guyz have no idea what they r doing to people.. some days back they shot an ex policeman who retired 10 years ago. he was going to get grocery with his 7 year old daughter.. they not only killed the policeman but shot her 7 year old daughter too who was hugging her dying father n crying her heart out… on other occasion they killed a father and son who resisted to an attack made on them by talibans just cause there shalwar was not above their ankles.. they even tied their dead bodies to a tree and told their family not to cut them loose or they will face the same fate.. there bodies were rotten for dayz… any human who has a family will want the taliban to go extinct from the face of the earth.. n i say to kill them all to the last man n let their bodies rot cause they dont even deserve to be burried..

its heartening to see the opinion of vast majority of people here who are against the Extremist Taliban and want them to be completely destroyed.
its great to see that my extremely patriotic Pakistani brothers & sisters are so concerned about the country and wants to see the Army victorious and these Talibans (yester years ”Mujahideens” & Holy warriors) defeated.
Honestly speaking I also want the same.
but just for a while, some questions start disturbing me and I wanted to share it with you people.
who made these people in first place? from where did it all start? who gave them this ideology of hate and destruction and who unleash them on the Pashtuns social and cultural fabric & Pashtuns way of life?
why is it that its only the blood of Pashtuns that is shed so mercilessly for some quick bucks?
when thirty years ago the Great Pashtun leaders Bacha Khan and Wali Khan were screaming loud that its not Jihad rather a ”Fasaad” and stop this blood shed of innocent Pashtuns, the great Pakistani patriots from Lahore,Karachi Islamabad were calling them traitors and ”ghaddars” of this country and were thirsty for their blood.
Compare the two scenarios of 80’s and 2009. at that time Pashtuns blood was shed in the name of ‘’Jihad’’ in return for dollars and today again it’s the blood of innocent Pashtuns in the name of ‘’war against evil Taliban’’ in return for some ‘’quick reward’’ so that life in Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad remain joyous and vibrant.
Spare some thoughts for those innocent Pashtuns who are bleeding for the last thirty years.

I am from karachi, I have seen many of our own beaten up by this army, for once it is good to see others beaten up as well, keep up the good work, thats where the dough is these days.

It could be much better to move confrontation from military to economic field.

The move adopted by our government to finish these terrorists some says islamists, taliban, is alike the one adopted by the WEST. Our government should first check whether this operation will be beneficial or not by going through the condition in afghanistan and iraq that are NATO forces have become successful in finishing up the terrorists even after 7 years or its just a wastage of human life, health, and a full flesh wastage of the state? We must choose another way instead of military action against these terrorists because they are like DARK AGE people who don’t know anything about Islam except for the word itself ‘ISLAM’ and they are more like devastating virus which spreads more rapidly when you disturb so we must be very much careful in tackling with these people. If still some say that military action is fine in affected areas so our government should first took innocent civilians out of the place first safely then took necessary steps. There seems no dexterity in it. I still wish if a peace treaty is signed between our government and these talibans.
May Allah bless our country with HIS MERCY AND PEACE!! AMEEN

People of Pakistan and India are united behind missions being carried out by Pakistan army against talibans. In this battle they are saving people from the entire subcontinent.The displaced persons are also soldiers of peace in this battle whose sacrifice will not go waste.
Insha allah the army will certainly prevail over taliban and a stronger, tolerant and democratic Pakistan will emerge.

Taliban are the biggest enemies of Islam and to extent they damaged Islam no one else can.
Pakistan Military doing right operation, we should support them and i believe that our military is capable of eliminating them,InshAllah Pakistan ‘ll prevail with the help of Allah.all these happenings just because of Zia’s greed and extremism by getting foreign aid and creating militants groups,its better to suffer some casualties now rather then later in large nos. May Allah bless Pakistan, unite and awake our nation now.(Ameen).

I completely support this military action. I am very sad to see whats going on in Pakistan. Religion is a personal thing. Keep it to yourself.

I fully support the military action in Swat and in Buner. Pakistan civil government should learn a lesson from Sri Lanka, how determined the Sri lankan government is in rooting out the tamil tiger the terrorist organization. Pakistan Army is far more superior than Sri Lankan army they only need full backing from the civil government and from the loving people of Pakistan. Pakistan is a Muslim country we never have had any issue with the state religion Islam. I do not understand what these muslim fanatics want, they are simply lunatics and should be rooted out mericlessly. They should not be allowed to reign terror on the innocent citizen of the state to what ever religion they belong. We as Pakistani should stand behind the army and let them finish this job once for all.

I am afraid things will get worse before it will get better, but I definitely see a silver lining out of this. It is a terrible tragedy but it is our own making.
Pakistan was created, because many Muslims were afraid of Hindu extremism. My 78 year old mother distinctly remembers the incident when her Brahmin teacher accidently bumped into her and my mother was punished for that. The teacher went home in disgust (to be “cleansed”). These types of behaviors led many Muslims to fight and sacrifice for the creation of Pakistan.
It was India’s good fortune that a Secular and powerful Nehru took control of the country. He knew that for India to survive, he must confront Hindu extremism whereas it was our misfortune that we lost both Jinnah and Liaqat Ali Khan almost immediately.
Living in United States, I can not over emphasize the role of faith in one’s life (especially bringing up children), but everything needs to have a balance. Throughout the history, power hungry people have used religions to control masses. It is the most powerful tool. The religious leaders want the people to “submit” themselves completely to the “ultimate power” and then they claim to be the ‘Authorized Agent” for that power.
It was extremely naive for the Pakistani Government to think that the only thing Taliban leaders wanted was Sharia law in Swat. Of course, they wanted to be the ones who would interpret the laws and be the “Exclusive Authorized Agents.”
We as a nation has flirted with religious bigotry for quite some time and now people are realizing the mistake when our survival is at stake. As an 11 year old child, I was taught in school that Mehmood Ghaznavi was a great hero for demolishing Somnath Mandir. When Babri Masjid was demolished, I was very angry and distraught. Soon after I realized that my ancestors were Hindus and they lived not too far from Somnath Mandir at that time. They must have felt the same way I do now . There were some influential Indian leaders who were behind the demolition of Babri Masjid, but at least the Society as a whole was not condoning it.
Every religion has fundamental differences with every other religion, but that doesn’t mean that a nation should force it’s citizens to sign derogatory statements towards a religious minority before it will issues you a passport or National Identity Card. This is 2009 and we are STILL doing it.
I see that most Pakistanis realize that we have suffered tremendously because of religious bigotry. As a society, we have many faults. You can look at the traffic and it gives a very good indication of the society as a whole. As adults, we have developed many bad habits and it becomes very difficult to change. Now it is a matter of survival. We should teach our children that not everyone will have exactly the same faith as they do but that does not make that “other” child any better or worse than you. They should be taught tolerance and the golden rule of “Treat others the way you want to be treated”, regardless of race, religion creed or gender. I can see that Mullahs have really stretched it this time and have lost significant amount of influence.
ALLAH BLESS PAKISTAN

The decisions about life and death of nations are taken in light of their ideologies and practical implementation programme for the same.
The success of this operation would be to provide the people of Swat & generally the poor & the oppressed that have been deprived of growth for generations by a corrupt Army, its civil administration & a breed of clumsy politicians introduced by the Army from time to time. This is a natural test & if the government & the Army does not show growth & development, this kind of uprising will continue from time to time, till a better system replaces the one in place.

This is just great. Give the army one more thing so they can use it on their own people.
There is no such thing as collateral damage. We are one nation, one people.
We should ask the Army, what if their own families were living there, would they even thing about firing one rocket in the region.
May ALLAH guide all of us on the straight path and bring a peaceful end to this..Ameen

Malik
USA

I had to add one more thing………
For all those people who say allah will help, don’t think its a good idea to involve allah as he didn’t create the mess. Allah helps those who helps themselves……So stop looking up for help and start looking forward and clean the mess up

Talibans are not the future of Pakistan. Minority cannot over rule the judgement of majority. Pakistan Army is doing a wonderful job and I salute our Jawans who are trying their best to keep Pakistan away from the clutches of fanatics who are bent upon to defame Pakistan. Let me assure to our Army’s Jawan’s the people of Pakistan are standing behind you and will fight shoulder to shoulder with you when they are called to save Pakistan.

I still remember in mid 90’s I used to read newspapers from all over the world and developed an understanding that Talibans were the worst people on the earth. I was going to university and when i told my friends about how Talibans treated women and what dangers it possessed to Pakistan, everybody laughed at me, many people got annoyed and gave me names of American and Indian spy. For us Pakistanis, a positive criticism is considered as being a spy of the country. Look at any developed country, the first thing which is taught to critisize yourself and look for role models even if they are from non muslim countries. I met with doctors and lawyers who used to say Talibans are the best people. People who just came from Pakistan to US told me that i don’t know the realities since i don’t live in Pakistan. Whenever i tried to tell that Psychological ideas have no bounderies i was told that i am stupid and hate Pakistan. For 10 long years i tried to convince people online that stop Talibans. I lost my sleeps and my brothers as always said that this is all conspiracy. 9/11 came and people still did not belive that it was done by Muslims. All blame was levid on Jews. In the meanwhile for so long and still now, religious parties made fool of people by telling that this is not Pakistan’s war. Politicians knew that what is happening. For 30 years, FATA was growing home based terrorists and suicide bombers and they kept on ignoring them. Talibans kept on killing and beheading people but we kept on saying they are doing Jihad.
Because of Maulana Fazal ur Rehman and Qazi Hussain Ahmed parties who kept on making people fool the govt. could not even take a simple step to stop those terrorists. Take an example of Fazallulah. He was a goon who in the name of Islam started looting and killing people. Govt. could not stop him because it knew that if they tried to nab him, public will stand against it because of Maulana Fazal ur Reham and Qazi’s statements that those people are devoted muslims. They still want to protect those people who wants to divide Pakistan.
Now lets move to Lal Masjid incident. Those terrorists over there should have been nabbed and killed as soon as they took the library and mosque hostage. This was challenging govt. writ. If there was any other country in the world, they would have moved the very same day and get rid of those people. But because of fear of public outcry since public was fooled by religious parties, they kept waiting until after 6 months they made the operation. Public instead of appreciating went after the goverment and they set free the terrorists that they are kids. Those are the same kids who are suicide bombers. The whole world kept telling us to go after those terrorists and religious parties kept making our public fool by saying that those are good people and it is not our war. Thats why govt kept making peace deals with those barbarians who took advantage of weaknesses and kept spreading their network. One of the mastermind of terrorists even wrote a book how to spread their network. In that book he revealed that since after 9/11 it is difficult to penetrate in the western world, so take over the weak countries. In his book he writes start taking small territories. To take a territory, first destroy the govt. machinery which starts with police and judiciary. That is the reason in Waziristan and then in Swat they first wiped off the police and Judiciary. They killed so many policemen that either they quit or moved out of the area. Then they went after MNAs and MPAs so they could not contest in the elections. When the brave Pukhtoons of FATA tried to stood against them, they beheaded the head of the Lashkars to spread terror.

Now when somebody says that govt. signed the Swat deal because people of SWAT wanted Shariah, this is a big lie. In the last election, people of Swat voted for ANP which is a non-religious party. They stood against Talibans. But when Talibans started killing and spread terror, then they said that they wanted Shariah.

Now the problem is that this operations should have been done 5-10 years back, when Talibans started coming from Afghanistan to Pakistan. It was easy as 1-2-3 to eliminate them because they were very few and people did not have any influence. But after so long of preaching hatered, even the kids as young as 5-6 years old have an ideology of hatered. It is very very difficult to control. On the other hand becasue of our religious parties which actually are part of Talibans, are still teaching hatered to our childern. We will get SWAT back Inshallah, but Talibans are every where. They are in Punjab, Balochistan, NWFP. They are sitting in Islamabad. That is the reason we were getting deadlines that govt. is going to collapse in few months, because Talibans were moving in towards Islamabad from outside and Talibans sitting inside Islamabad are ready to start blowing MNAs and MPAs and even the prime minister and president. They are sitting in Karachi, Lahore, Peshaward, Quetta – you name it and they are there waiting for orders or perfect time.

We also know they are so cunning that they are shaving their beard and many Talibans are in the refugee camps after slipping out of SWAT.

Their main objective is to topple govt. and take over Pakistan. If God forbidden that happens Pakistan will split into four countries. That is they want because it is easier for Talibans to run smaller states then run a bigger country.

We would need many more operations then this one. But on top of that, the biggest problem we are facing is with the IDPs. Those people have been forced to get out of their houses. They are angry and many of their relatives have lost lives. So if they are not taken care of properly, they could turn against our own govt. and army and Talibans who slipped out of SWAT will easily make those people Talibans also. So Army will be trapped between Talibans inside SWAT and outside SWAT.

We would have to go very carefully. Like one analyst on ARY TV said, don’t bomb SWAT, use special forces which seperate innocents and kill Talibans with bullets.

After securing SWAT, we would have to concentrate on the kids who have seen voilence as the only way of life and start afresh by providing them education and knowldege of peaceful Islam.

Now is the time for all of Pakistanis to come to help our brothers who are homeless and hungry so that they don’t lose patience and start hating our army.

Lets pray for our army to succeed.

Killing a few terrorists is of no consequence unless you wipe out the ideology and the ideology of all terrorists is the same wherever they may be trained and indoctrinated to go and fight. You can not hope to create one and fight the other. There is a need to rethink the curricullum of hatered tought in Pakistan and replace it with ” All religions and faith are equal and everyone has a freedom to choose his faith”. This is just a battle the war is ahead but for that years of mindset and hatered has to be kept aside.

I feel sorry for everyone who supports this kind of operations. I feel sorry for the innocent women and children of Swat. I feel nothing but anger and disgust about Pakistan Military. Before we go on our rant about Taliban and Mullahs, and I’m never a fan or supporter of them, lets try to answer following questions sincerely and see if we can still say what we say:

1. Who created and used Taliban?
2. Was Sawat valley or tribal areas or people there ever a problem for the State of Pakistan?
3. On whose behest this whole operation and the operations before were started in FATA and other areas along the Afghan-Pak border?
4. What do you get in return when you throw a stone in hornet’s nest?
5. How would you feel when your children, wives, mothers, sisters, brothers, and other family members are murdered in the name of “fighting against terrorism” mercilessly, without any due process, and without any sensible reason?
6. Lastly, how would you feel when your families … children, women, and elders are forced to leave everything you got and get out to face danger, destruction, and death on the behest of corrupt army leadership, politicians, or Western parasites?

Look at the faces of the small children, who have been made homeless, think about these answers, and then if you’ve the courage and sane argument come forward.

Besides … if there are indeed unnecessarily provoked trouble-makers for the sake of getting Western aid by our spineless military and political leadership … then the question that begs the answer is that … if the half a million strong military (”strong” only to suppress and kill its own brethren) which racks over 60% of the country’s resources, is it the paper tiger that can’t handle few hundred trouble-makers without displacing over a million people and killing hundreds in the process.

God, if someone dares to hurt my family, my only goal in life would be to make sure I make them pay.

Lets think about it, shall we?

Lets hope peace and sanity prevails. Lets hope no innocent dies anywhere on this globe because of the greed of stupids and parasites.

Amen!

I support military operation 100%. Although it is creating a lot of misery for the local population and my heart goes out to those families. But I think it was essential to do this operation and wipe this virus (Taliban) out. It is quite possible that all of these Taliban may not be wiped out but operation this huge gives a strong message that state is going to go all out and will not tolerate the miscreants. The reason that every week new groups were emerging was that there were no action against these kind of people and being an insurgent probably became a profitable business. Now after this operation, I hope, it would not be easy for these people to recruit new young guys in the name of Islam.
I feel so irritated when media uses the word Maulana and Mulla for talibs, these words carry honor and should not be used for thugs and killers. I personally believe that we should use the word that Quran has given to them and that is “Mufsideen”. They are spreading “Fasad” in the land of the lord and God hates these people and it has been mentioned in Quran so many times. I believe using “Mufsideen” or “Fasadee” will heart them more because we will be using the Quranic (Islamic) terminology for them.

What a co-incidence; We have created the same situation in Kashmir where the common people suffered between Our Sponsored Terrorists and the Indian army. Alas, now entire Pakistan become Kashmir. We have to pray other gods to save Pakistan.

I think this is the right thing that pakistan is doing.As indian we are brothers as before partition we are in the same country.India is now eying on economic growth and this is good for the people.I think as a brother pakistan and india will be emerge as greatest economy in the world if we go hand in hand with each other.I pray for pakistan to come out of this crises.

I fully support our troops and hope that they win in this war.

Long Live Pakistan and God Bless Pak Army

We purused diplomacy with these savagers by provding them with sharia law and they still refused to lay down their arms so in conclusion I like most pakistanis fully support the army for killing these savagers.I hope all pakistanis feel the same way and support the army.

The whole nation should stand behind the armed forces, as this is a fight for survival of Pakistan as a nation. If anybody thinks that these barbarians have anything to do with Islam,he/she is naive. Their objective is to spread and take control of as much territory as possible, and enforce their version of governance, which is medieval, and barbaric.

Now why you see people like Munawwar Hassan (JI), Qazi and Fazlur Rehman supporting these criminals in the name of Islam is that People of Pakistan have never, and will never vote for these mullahs, hence their only chance to come to Power is through these backdoors, and they would go to any extent to grab power, even if they have to side with these illiterate, murderers.

This is the time, if somebody speaks against this operation or the armed forces,(Like Imran Khan, Munawwar Hassan, Qazi, Hamid Mir etc) he/she should be tried for Treason, as their stand jeopardize not only the existence of this country but results in misleading masses, and demoralizing the Army.

Need peaceful revolution!
First of all, only educated people practicing Allah’s Deen should be elected to the legislature at all levels without any interference from any quarter whatsoever, local or foreign.
Then, Pakistani Parliament should re-draft the Islamic Sharia strictly under Qur’an as well as the Sunnah; and implement the same sooner than later.
That’s the only way out, as there would remain no pretext to capture Pakistan and bring about mis-interpreted & mis-applied sharia laws.

How is that possible?
There is a need of proper education based on logic of Islamic principles.
We, as a Muslim Nation in Pakistan should start self accountability, so that we realize where the wrong is.
There should be conscientious self analysis.
There should be a new wave of land reforms in Pakistan based on justice.
The age old “Vadera system” stinks; so should be phased out as a priority.

We would love to retain General Kayani as Head of Pakistan Army in order to counter
this heavily armed insurgents with modern weaponry.

Thereafter, Pakistan shall prevail with a ‘face uplift’.

There shall be a supreme practical parliament, independent judiciary to implement Rule of law, An Honest Govenment delivering good governance and, of course, a resposible concientious Media(electronic and Print).

That’s how our dream of good change will come true.

What next? after the Talibans are done with.
Same old way of governance? Injustice, promotion of western values, poor gets poorer and the rich gets richer.
People wake up , We need leaders who belong to Pakistan and have steak in Pakistan. We have leaders , they , their families, wealth and businesses are all out of the country. What do they care, they have no steak , God forbid if our country is in very serious danger , they will all leave the country and spend rest of their lives abroad.
They are in Pakistan for a reason and one reason only to make as much as they can, as if they will take every thing into their graves.
People wake up and demand change, protect your and your childern’s future. Demand Justice, education,developement and accountability of these leaders.
May ALLAH (SWT) Help our Pakistan to progress in peace and harmony. AMEEN

It is the time that we unite as a nation and stop these benign Islamic monopolist. They must be dealt with iron hand. All those arrested during this operation must be hanged and telecasted live on national T.V to show all those who challenges the ideology of Pakistan.

I am in Australia, but two months ago i was back home and one of my friend showed me CD of TTP selling in every shop across Peshawar. I was so sad that i couldn’t even imagine that these fanatics are butchering people mercilessly couldn’t sleep the whole night after watching that CD ,as there were so many barbaric acts in that. One question arises where were our so called professional intelligence agencies when all this was happening, because in that CD Taliban shows a suicide bomber with a full movie shots. They show sniffers shot of shooting pak.army soldiers.
Being a patriotic Pakistani and a moderate Pukhtoon i would say that what is happening in swat is an international conspiracy against this solo Muslim nuclear state. Why these religious fanatics don’t take over in other countries, why every time Pakistan. Yes i agree poverty, lack of education and economic deprivation but it is there in all third world countries of the world. An international conspiracy is being hatched against my motherland, as it was in 1971.We must be united this time. We must defeat them. We must support our brothers, I mean Pakistan army ,they are from our families. It is not only the army but it is Pakistan people’s army just like in china. We all must act as the soldier of Pakistan army and defeat these ignorant religious vandalists.pakistan army zindabad.

The whole nation is with army. If Pakistan has to survive ,and Pakistanis abroad has to lead a life of dignity we have to say no to Taliban. Politicians should refrain from scoring political points at this critical time of history. They must shun their differences and must stand along pak.army and nation.
My prayers are with my beloved soldiers who are recording a new chapter of valour in the annals of history. ALLAH is with Pakistan army and we all as a nation must act as the soldiers of Pakistan army to root out these religious fanatics. Long Live Pakistan and Long live Pakistan army.

We must be united this time.We must defeat them.We must support our brothers,i mean pakistan army ,they are from our families.It is not only the army but it is pakistan peoples’s army just like in china.We all must act as the soldier of pakistan army and defeat these ignorant religious vandalists.pakistan army zindabad.

Even at this moment when about 40% of Pakistanis beleive that Taliban are backed by India, I see no end in sight of this conflict. Pakistanis have been fed with so much lies over the last 60 years that it has resulted in total intelligence cofusion.
The totaly corroupt Pak army elite even now want to some how channel the Taliban energy in India. This experiment has backfired big time but the elite have nothing to loose as they are ready to take off to Switzerland where they have stashed away billions if things get totaly out of hand.

for God sack stop killing innocent pathan, and is any body helping the displace people in their camps, all the pathan were helping out when the earthquick stuck in 2007

There is so much talk about whether the Taliban are “true” muslims.

Who the heck cares ? We need to get away from this identification of “Islam” with ANY behavioral characteristics.

There are murderers, rapists, saints and industrialists in EVERY religion.

Until we move to a setup as Jinnah wanted, and relegate the clergy to people’s private lives, we’re going to have many many more Swats.

Some of these “Swat”s we will win. But we just have to lose ONE for Pakistani society to head back to the stone age.

We as Pakistani need to take care of people suffering out of this crisis

I strongly support military operation in those areas but only thing make me worried that Talibans are mixing themselves with those people who are evacuating those areas.
Security forces must do strong checking and also people must help authorities to identify Talibans. If we let Talibans go, they might reorganized later.

Pakistan has become another Israel, killing its own people using weapons provided by USA and tactics by CIA, etc.
Pakistan is on its way to become another Afghansitan, the show is being directed by CIA, RAW, FSB, possibly Mossad and our own Pakistan Army.
All Pakistna army can do is kills its own people. it has never won any war against it rival enemy on the east (india).
Taliban if at all it is true Taliban are not doing any good, but i think it is infiltrated with bad elements who are giving bad name to Islam.

” GO, AND ELIMINATE THEM FROM THE FACE OF THIS LAND, DONT FORGET TO ELIMINATE THOSE WHO ARE FINANCING THEM AS WELL”

Pakistan has only one choice, “flush them out”

WE SUPPORT PAKISTAN ARMY, NO MATTER WHERE WE ARE!

“Malik says:
May 15th, 2009 at 5:50 pm
The army action should be supported. But the basic question is that the people are dying for their cause which they say is Islamic law. Hold on for few minutes and let us see what they want. Somewhere, somehow a revolution is required to change our colonial and highly depressed mentality. Pakistan was not meant for Choudharis, thanedars, and tehsildars and their incompetent sons and daguther. Let us sincerely search our souls. Are our leadership the best people for the job? The royalty in Nepal was overruled, there is a rising revolution about to come to Burma, and we have the same inefficient people ruling us for long time. The people in Swat, how much misled they may be has started a revolution, which because of their overzealousness they call it Islamic law. Basically, it is their cause for simple and affordable justice, and change of some sort. Change which the outmoded and outdated Pakistani politicians and military junta had denied us. We should support this change and take it over from people of Swat and get rid of these cruel leaders and mentality of Pakistan. Let a revolution should come, bloody it may be for Pakistan. The people of Swat had laid down a good foundation.”
So what are you suggesting, that Pakistani should blindly overthrow government? Whats the guarantee that the next government will be better and able to sustain betterness over long time? To large extent incompetent Gov is relfection of incompetent public. Why dont you suggest these people educate themselves or Gov to improve education? Think first before you incite people to violence!

I have to agree with Mr. Bhalla. Pakistan should completely forget about its border with India and hit the Taliban with all its might. India is the last country in the world who would like to see Pakiatn taken over by Taliban. Right now India will not even allow an Indian ‘macchar’ to cross acros LOC anywhere. So go Pakistan and eliminate Taliban.

I think these talibans should be uprooted down to the last person.. They will demolish our country.. Army should eliminate these people at any cost so we can have our country back.

Re: Swat Operation—————
Some people perceive the insurgency as proxy war, while others claim that Swat Deal has been messed up under foreign pressure.
Even the locals are in favour of the operation inspite of the hardship they are facing.
Whatever the case may be, Pakistan Army under the leadership of General Kayani will be able to flush out the rogue elements.
But, there is a greater need for back up support to the State and the Military from the Pakistani people.
Good news is that Pakistan shall prevail with the help of Allah (subhana hu wa tala).
Finally, Qur’an and the Sunnah will be established with guaranteed everlasting peace.

Even though I fully support this operation and think it is the only way forward, what if the Taliban start fleeing with the local civilians by disguising their appearance? How will they be able to identify these people?

How long will this rehabilitation take after all this is over? Due to what is happening with innocent people, how many more civilians will turn into militants as a consequence to their suffering?

I think everyone just wants peace!!!

Coming from a family who sacificed 300 immediate famiy members in the creation of Pakistan, I am saddened to see this kind of an action by these so called Taliban miscreants who are now ready to dismantle it. The army has been called upon by the people of Pakistan to take action and must wipe them out once and for all and must not allow even one to escape. Living abroad one realizes the importance and value of Pakistan and I pray for Pakistans soverignty and unity (Ameen).

The army action should be supported. But the basic question is that the people are dying for their cause which they say is Islamic law. Hold on for few minutes and let us see what they want. Somewhere, somehow a revolution is required to change our colonial and highly depressed mentality. Pakistan was not meant for Choudharis, thanedars, and tehsildars and their incompetent sons and daguther. Let us sincerely search our souls. Are our leadership the best people for the job? The royalty in Nepal was overruled, there is a rising revolution about to come to Burma, and we have the same inefficient people ruling us for long time. The people in Swat, how much misled they may be has started a revolution, which because of their overzealousness they call it Islamic law. Basically, it is their cause for simple and affordable justice, and change of some sort. Change which the outmoded and outdated Pakistani politicians and military junta had denied us. We should support this change and take it over from people of Swat and get rid of these cruel leaders and mentality of Pakistan. Let a revolution should come, bloody it may be for Pakistan. The people of Swat had laid down a good foundation.

If you do you are damned and if you don’t you are damned. That was the situation the Pakistan army was facing a little while ago. Now they have decided to do, rather than to wait and see. Military solution is the last option in any dispute but sometimes it is a necessary one. The kind of barbarity the Pakistani Taliban had shown have no examples of it in the recent history of the region. Killing scores of their own innocent people by the way of beheadings shows the brutal nature of these misguided people. It boggles the mind that what kind of ideology they are following which turned them into beasts. The gory images and videos of cutting throats of innocent victims were displayed with pride and impunity by the Taliban. The whole nation of Pakistan was watching these episodes of terror with aghast which were being unfolded before their eyes. In the absence of any morality, ethics, or humanity, no one considers the Taliban’s claim as genuine that they are waging a just war against the state of Pakistan.
While many developing countries of the world were busy making progress economically and achieving prosperity and the phenomena such as globalization and internationalization were becoming buzz words, Pakistan found it self facing this mortal threat to its existence. The Army action is necessary to weed out the insurgents from the beautiful valley of Swat and restore its peace. Some of the comments here still question the Army’s action in the valley. And some suggested arming the local people to defend themselves against the militants. Most people have some kind of fire arm in NWFP. But individual people cannot fight the militants by themselves. They are organized, trained and being helped financially (I have no data to prove that but it seems that without a strong financial backing no one can buy such a heavy weaponry in greater numbers, so it is self evident). Unless there is an anti Taliban movements rises on a larger scale individuals will fail to do anything, the example of which is many murdered pro- government tribal leaders and failure of the tribal lashkers. Pakistan is not ready for a civil war, though it may happen, as it happened in many countries of the world for example in the USA or in Japan, Russia, France, or China etc. That possibility can only occur in the event that the Army fails to contain the present insurgency, and that would be a very bad turn for Pakistan, as it may cause a dissension in the Army itself which will be a worst case scenario. Therefore, the success of the Army in defeating the militants of Swat has become absolutely necessary for the future of Pakistan.

Do we have a choice now? We have been creating this mess through “jihadi” tanzims and camps now for two decades started by Zia and his gang. Unfortunate that innocent women and children are caught up in the conflict because of delayed reaction. When action was taken against the armed trouble makers in Lal Masjid, many opposed it without understanding long term consequences. Most importantly, locals have to ensure that future trouble is nipped in the bud in their respective areas if the army succeeds in clearing the area this time. If locals ignore the problem again, we would definitely be in for a much bigger crises in the future.

The very same thing happened in Afghanistan, the Talibans start beating people in public, questioning women who were without man walking down the streets, lashing people without giving any chance to prove themselves innocent. Islam does not teach such barbaric acts. These Talibans came from Afghanistan, they want to harass and manipulate the mass public. To me they have political agenda than the religious one. Saudi Arabia does not even have such harsh laws for people. The suicide strictly prohibited in Islam, how do they justify such act against their own innocent muslim brothers and sisters.
They are only causing widespread harassment and panic to manipulate the mass public. The military was the only option for them, because they are not listening to anyone else but their own leaders who fund them secretly to fight and kill innocent people.
GOOD LUCK PAKISTANI ARMY, WE SUPPORT YOU 100%

It is like a bad medicine which is good for the nation.

I am just concerned that the militants are just staying put and will reorganize after the operation is over. Best thing to do is to impose “Martial Law” in these regions and make this an on-going operation rather than a milestone

Dear Pakistani friends,

Over 1 billion Indian’s support you during your time of crisis. May you be successfully overcome the turbulent times and become economically developed nation. My wishes are that India and Pakistan should be friends and good neigbours. Let’s put the ghost of past behind us and help each other during troubled times since we share the same food,language and culture.

Can our leaders be leaders and stand up to the challenge? The aid money can be used to pay handsome amount to people who lay arms… There can be so many other options – but only if our parliament and leaders can sit and decide with the vision. The repercussions of this will damage Pakistan and its people.

The Swat operation must reach it logical conclusion with all the entrenched taliban being wiped out. Defeat or retreat is not an option for the government.

Most importantly, the Army Special Ops units must hunt and capture and eliminate Fazlullah and his senior commanders most likely hunkered down in Peochar. Doing so will have a devastating impact on the taliban foot soldiers and their willingness to fight.

It was great to see General Kayani visit the troops in Swat – he is clearly leading from the front.

I am tired of hearing that they are enemy of Islam and Pakistan, similar things do happen in other parts of the world but citizens there do not call rough elements are enemies of Chirstianity or enemies of hinduism, for once lets call these rough elements as bad guys and nothing more. Secondly I am skeptical about army’s intent in swat and other areas, they gave them lot of time to consolidate and run elsewhere and now they use ariel bombing and howtizer firing which is fine to use only it it is an organised war against the frontline, where are we heading as civilisation if we randomly bomb our own cities, we any way have terrorist doing that. By avoiding one to one battle the army thinks it is saving its humna resoruce, but I feel there is hardly any strategic thinking on part of army and this can lead to future sucide attacks even from people that are neutral in Swat. Army’s morale needs to be checked and at the same time intent of top leadership needs to be scrutinised if we need to get out dark age.

To constantly question the actions of the army, to perpetually blame them for making mistakes (which are inevitable in such a massive operation) is the way to lose the war against the turbaned 18 year olds who were crusing the streets 60 miles from Islamabad, declaring victory over the infidels.
Pakistan needs to make up it’s mind and then media needs to step back and allow for the operation to be completed. There needs to be more reporting, and less opining in this critial time.

Why should we even think this that operation is on track or not. These Mullahs want to capture Pakistan and want to enforce thier “own laws” under the cover of Islam. This will cause a severe damage to relegion Islam which does not teach such things at all. These are enemies of Islam’ terrorists and extremists. They all should be dealt with force.

It is a totally different and difficult war for Pakistan Army and it will take longer than is expected to end. One of the most difficult aspects of this war, as I see, is that the millitants are hiding in common populace and do not have any sign to be identified by law enforcement agencies. One who develops a wrong thinking and takes up arms, which are in his access, may call himself a Taliban.

The question is not whether the Pakistan Army is on the right track or not. The question is ask is when will it end? Taliban who have gone into hiding will try to avenge themselves after the army leaves. Where does that leave the local people? They are caught between a rock and a hard place. Some people have suggested that they should not have let the Taliban into Swat in the first place. How could the local people have stopped them? With stones and sticks? Taliban have AK-47s. The people had no choice. The local police should have stopped them. They didn’t because a lot of Pakistanis still think that the Taliban is fighting for Islam. Therein lies the problem.

We, as nation should support our army and its decision…

(Muaj badhay ya aandhi aaye diya jalaye rakhna hai

Ghar ki khatir sau dukh jhailen ghar to aakhir apna hai.)

All the nation should be united and support the on going military operation aginst the so called defenders of Shariat .
Its huge resposability on the leadership of all the political parties that we Pakistani as nation supporting goverment freh military operation aginst the Talibian who on the name of Islam not only defaming the true image of Islam but also stake Pakistan intgeration .
Media should also show maturity and should support the military operation and not aired any videos which further stregethen the support of Talibian .
Time has come that we should be united and convey a clear message to world that Talibian never captured Pakistan with their terror and imposed their so called tribal brand of sharia .
I urged the political leaders to shun their differences and to be united and strongly support the military action and should also support the displaced person with open arms .
Our great founder leader late Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah got freedom for moderate and democrtic Pakistan nor for clergy who using name of Islam full fill their agenda to disintgerate Jinnah’s Pakistan .

The Pakistan Army is the bravest of the brave. In peace they are men of character and in adversity, men of steel. Yet again they make us proud. Venting premature frustration and giving expert opinion on Army’s inaction while being faced with a visible threat is easier for us. Not may be, but surely, our words and expert logic must hurt these men, they are human beings after all. But we forget the one basic thing that these men in khakis live for the Pakistan ideology every day. Their sacrifice is not pen or paper, slogans or ‘go-slows’ but flesh and blood. They have replied our anger and frustration with smile and patience, flesh and blood while we are busy doing expert opinions over talks shows and editorials from the safety of cities. It hurts to imagine that some of our soldiers will forever lose the joy of their children seeing them come back from work and that these kids will grow as orphans because their father had sacrificed their lives upon the altar of Pakistan’s ideology and freedom to ensure we were with our children safe and prosperous.
Pakistan Army will not let a band of thugs rule our ideology. Let me be emphatic, we are proud of what the Army is doing, and are persistently in prayers for their success and for the patience of those that have lost their brave sons while ensuring the rest of us live our freedom in the moment.

I am just simple person but my comon sense say that drone attack and air-strick can not be right track. These type of insurgency can be coped with special comandos and field army least to avoid civil casualties and collateral damage. This is second worst disaster after Earth Quake but this is men made.

When the peace deal was taking place, the media, critics and the citizens were continously blaming the government for not doing enough, while the videos started surfacing showing women flogged, throats slit, preteens shooting police officers at point blank range and getting applause from the crowd watching. The electronic media, print media and otherwise fascist parties couldnt stop talking about it criticizing the deal. As time showed us the peace deal didnt stop the barbarism in those areas.

Now for the fist time in decades the political parties, parliament, rightful islamic scholars, media, government and the military have united to agree that these elements should be wiped out for the future of Pakistan, here we are again criticizing them that we didnt exhaust all options for dialogue. When population this huge is displaced even developed countries are bound to make mistakes and there will be setbacks and shortfalls (Hurricane Katrina is one example). everything cant be ready all at one time for more than a million people given the lack of administration capabilities within our system. Preparing ahead of time wold have required months if not weeks, signalling the militants to scatter all over the country. This was inevitable, it had to happen sooner or later, and this was much later than it should have been. But to get unified consensus and citizens approval govt. had no choice but to wait for things to get bad from worse.

Pakistans using the Air Power against the Taliban Millitants may be questionable. For the pakistan forces to win the battle ultimately, it will be the Infantry which will have to dominate the area. The airforce and Helicopter Gunships being used obviously cannot dominate the Valley but can only be used as a Force Multiplier for the Ground Forces.
The Figures of 750 Militants being killed are in all accounts grossly exagerated. If it is right then it may be the civilian population which has been effected rather than the Taliban in colateral damage.
The Taliban if feels the heat now will just melt away into the Mountains to fight a war at a later time and place of their choosing.
Incidentally Pakistan is in for a long haul and the war will have to be waged on various fronts i.e. Militarily ( counter insurgency), economically, religiously, socially etc.

One simple question comes to the mind of a common Pakistani Citizen. Why such an army of 10,000 militants, terrorists and anti Pakistan elements was allowed to build up to such an extent, that Army has to be moved in as a desperate case? Where were our great intelligence agencies and above all the politicians who are basically responsible for this mess.
As for the Operations, it was long overdue. Well, today the entire nation is behind Army. They are doing a fine job. All of us should pray for solidarity of Pakistan. One Nation, one Government & one Army to defend against enemies of Pakistan.
Long live Pakistan.

I am from India and a keen follower of what is happening in your world. I am deeply disturbed by what is happening in Pakistan . Military may have an win in this offensive against the Militants but this may spur large number of suicidal attacks across the country ,which cannot be controlled by any means . Killing a few hundred militants will not solve problem . Around 1 million people are going to be displaced due to this was ,this can destabilize the complete mechanism and push the country to more instability . I suppose the government in Pakistan should engage the Taliban in a constructive ways and bring down to a negotiation table again than using the military means . No insurgency can be won by counter insurgency military operations .Taliban is not a bandit group . They are operating on an Ideology and that Ideology can motivate people in good and bad way as well .We must have more inclusive measures to counter it . Talibans fight is not against the Pakistanis , In my opinion, they are fighting against the imperial forces occupying you land.

I fully support the military action as it deemed neccesary for the exiatence of Pakistan barring the casaulities,which will happen and I do feel sorry and sympathise but long term plans are often better than short vision, which most of the failed politicians have at present.

hi
indeed the operation of pak army is on the right track if the ppl of tribal area had taken this step earlier they would have seen such situation
The triblians gave support to taliban which cause thier massive influence in pakistan
Talibans has nothing to do with our country they are just intend to destablize pakistan

Islam never teaches such horrible massacre of innocent people

inshallah Pak army will hit the mark and wil prevent our country from the policies of our enemies

Pakistan Zindabad

Operation clean up in Swat should be completed and Taliban should be totally eleminated . All the points /enteries which can help replenish the weapons of militant Talibans must be choked and the IDPs while leaving the areas must also be scrutinized ,so that the Militants do not leave the area under their garb.No vehicle from outside be allowed to enter the war zone. Only governement auothorized vehicles should be allowed to ply for the transportation of the IDPs.Regular surveillance by helicopters and drones be done so that any movement of militants is picked up and destroyed.

I am not in the country but it seems like that this is the only solution not only the army but the rest of the political parties with perhaps one exception, the business comunity, docters, engineers, media, the common man even the religiius scholers should come together and unite against these terrorists who are not only defamming the Pakistani image arround the world but showing this barbarism and calling it Islam. I do not think that anyone in our history has done so much damage to our religion as these guys are and it has to stop by any means possible

i think that this is the case afghan-soviet war. These IDP’s will become the HUB of new recruits as they dont have any other means to support their families. More soldires are required in Swat to clear the area. Current no of troops is not sufficient to clear this large hilly forested area from these militants. I think mobilization of all people who are capable of fighting either retired or in active service to perform their duties in NWFP and tribal areas for uptil six months. Hopefully this will reduce the militants capacity for years to come.

As sad and ignorant as it may sound but people have to realize that if they do not fight back on their own, the army will have to come it with a lot of colateral damage. Hence this might be a hard lesson to the locals to stop thing before they grow out of hand in the future. Our people have a habit of not reacting until things really affect them. So now this has really affected 1 Million people and I think next time they will be a wary of allowing a few people to take control of their community.
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Anywhee in the world, if a nation need to be run for the betterment of its mass, a democratically elected government is a must. Though now Pakistan have such a governemnt, the mistakes does by earlier military rulers dont give the full comfort or confidence nor in the government itself nor the population have the same. It is for sure that all the tribal leaders, who run their own rules at their respective areas need to be eliminated. Or they should be made powerless by way both by manpower and economically. As some news papers from Pakistan viewd, the main income to run the so-called tribal man’s army are the illegal timber smulging, emerald mining, and marble mining not to talk about the drugs via afganistan. Also, it is all the same necessary that all source of arms and amunations to the terrorists/taliban/JuD or for that matter any group that terrorist the countries population should be tracked and stopped. Now since US is playing shoulder to shoulder with pakistan in eliminating the terrorists from Pakistan’s soil, it should be emphasised that they just not eliminated from Pakistan soil but from teh earth. If not Pakistan, they will find their land somewhere in Afganistan or elsewhere. Hence the menace who are against the mankind need to be eliminated for ever from the earth. Now, when the entire world is with pakistan, pakistan has got an opportunity in eliminating the terrorists from their land. Gen. Kiyani is an army gentleman who think about the betterment of his country population and not like the earlier army chiefs who were always power mongers. With an elected government and supports from around teh globe, Pakistan should take this opportunity to eliminate all the terror groups and terroist from its teritory. Also it should make sure that there is no terror training camps in its soil, and it will not allow anybody to use the soil of PoK either. Only an elected govt. can protect their own people from the militants and insurgents.

It is impossible to say whether the ongoing military operation is on the right track or not unless journalist including the foreign media reporters are allowed to be in the battle fronts.

i think that the government should all chalk down the plan for the rehabiliation of the refuges and the civil people vacating the swat valley.
the plan should be made public and ensured that all those who have been distrubed becacuse of this will be taken care off y the concerned agencies.

Well done Pakistan Army. Inspite of all the political and military odds, you are doing a fine job. As a professional Army, you are focused and taking a toll on the enemies of Pakistan, Pashtuns, humanity and Islam.
Well done and keep up the good work and Pakistani Flag.
An advice to the Civil administration:
Please donot loose the gains achieved by the army with blood for your monetary incentives.

The validity of the operation itself is questionable. Did not the Members of the Parliament and the President gave consent to the Peace Deal. Was every attempt at dialogue exhausted? In my opinion the operation was started after a hue and cry of the foreigners and not the people of the country.

Thanks

It is hard if army takes an action and it is hard if it does not take an action.
The worst part of any war is the displacement of refugees. My heart goes for the children, men and women who are suffering due to the conflict.As a nation Pakistan has to support their army at this time and everyone should scarify to take care of those citizen who are affected by the conflict. I have not seen any gross root effort gathering momentum to help the refugee. The only way the latest offensive will work if refugee are well taken care off and could return to thier houses as soon as the conflit is over. Pak army and Pak govt, along United Nations must rebuild the SWAT and rest of the areas and must eliminate the root of the prolbem. Army has to use this offensive as wild card to eliminate the terrorism. If they did not eradict the root of terror it will become a grow out of control soon.

I think Pakistan army is working on right track. In my opinion, these are not Taliban. I believed Pakistan is facing proxy war. There is need to unite the people of Pakistan against enemy.

General Kayani has hit the nail right on its head when he has said that managing (and gaining the support) IDP’s would be critical to the outcome of this operation.

An army of 700,000 soliders (paramilitary included) that is backed by an air force, modern weaponary and international aid is surely capable to quelling an insurgeny raised by approximately 10,000 armed militants who do not even have a controlled command structure. Granted that this may make matters more complicated, but it also makes the militants disunited and hence that much weaker.

I have never had any doubts about the capability of the armed forces to quell this insurgency. Rationality simply doesn’t let one digest that. The question is one of willingness. This operation must be sustained and not just limited to Swat, Dir and Buner. Solving the problem would require going after these militants in their own backyard (Waziristan, Khyber and Orakzai).

Also, I am extremely impressed by General Kayani’s relative silence and disposition throughout this offensive. He only seems to speak when it matters most and that too quietly.

Lastly, it is great to have seen the PM come on national television, address the citizens and take them into confidence before the army operation. This, along with Taliban’s barbarism, has enabled the military to gain the national support which is often key to quelling such insurgencies.

Even the IDP’s themselves are in favour of this operation. The leadership should now express solidarity with the IDP’s by visiting the camps and (if possible) staying there for a day/night. This would enable the government to obtain even greater public support.

Using a sledgehammer to kill flies in a room full of fragile contents is sheer stupidity and will cause more damage than benefits. A much more intelligent, proportional and well thought out strategy to deal with militancy needs to be prepared and executed by the government. Foreign pressure and interference in Pakistan’s internal affairs combined with abject failure of leadership and lack of proper governance has led to the hasty execution of what can only be called self-cannibalisation; a military attacking its own citizens, towns and villages. Pakistanis need to take off the propaganda induced blinders of biased and superficial thinking before they tragically discover that the “cure” has turned out to be worse than the “disease”. Time is running out.

700+ taliban killed in battle is what ISPR claims, no other independent news agency has confirmed it. The modus operandi of the Army is same as in previous operation: excessive bombing. Nothing has changed, than how can we expect to have a changed results.

It would have been better to arm the local people with the same kind of weapons that the Taliban have. I am told that the army operations are worse than what the locals face under Taliban rule. The data also suggest that so far locals in Pukhtunkhwa have only migrated to safer areas when army came to their region. The army is not fighting the kind of fight needed to get rid of the Taliban. It is just dislodging local populations. Whatever the intentions behind the army current strategy, it is not working and costing more in terms of human life, and other resources.

COAS has called for ‘precision strikes’ in order to root out the militants with the collateral damage to minimal and correctly managing IDPs’.
So far the death toll on either side is not verified, but it’s horribly mounting.
Since the Taliban have been encouraged/forced out of Afghanistan, out of FATA and now pushed into SWAT and vicinity, there arises a serious need to stop such a bloody march.
These political terrorists’ should have been completely stopped a long time ago.
This is very sad but true that Pakistan needed an Army Operation such as this, because otherwise the writ of the STATE would have been damaged beyond repair.
The question of civilian casualties would have been easily remediable, if the local population cooperated with the government much earlier.
For our survival, the present counterinsurgency has been made ‘our war now’, and that’s a reality.
The stubborn militants are fighting the occupiers, fighting our own army and fighting the liberal Muslims, and that’s a ground reality.
Parliamentarians are raising their eyebrows on this operation, because they have not been taken into confidence. They are angry as if the government is getting pressure to conduct such an operation from somewhere else.
In my opinion, the parliament must have been convened for reaching a unanimous decisions by the people’s representatives, before the operation.
Since the operation has started now; let’s pray for the happy ending.
Let’s trust ALLAH the almighty and let’s pray for our beloved General Kayani to go through without too much difficulty.

The operation was necssary to avoid Pakistan degenerating into various religious factions.

The operation is proceeding well because it aims at encircling the militants and destroying them totally, and not hit and withdraw like Nato forces.Next phase should provide permanent security through establish cantonments.Only then will the civilian population return.

Armed forces should succeed against guerillas as they did in Algeria when Bomedian crushed BEN BILLAS MILITANTS WHO HAD FOUGHT AGAINST THE FRENCH ARMY.

wHEN THE bRITISH CAME TO iNDIA ALL TRIBES WERE LIKE THE MILITANTS BUT EVENTUALLY THE BRITISH DID PREVAIL.

In my opinion, the operation is going well and at this moment this is the ONLY way to get Pakistan out of this problem(talibanization). I think we need to encourage people more and HELP the victims of this operation,help them as much as possible.

The operation was inevitable considering growing insurgency in the region. Our Army is a well trained army so U.S strikes in Iraq and Afghanistan should not be bench marked.
The operation didn’t start early, infact it started late thus provided escape routes to taliban.The rehabilitation of displaced people is a reall challange and things could have planned in more amicable and organized way but this does no belittle the importance and need of operation in Swat Area.

I am not sure army is on the right track. Why did it have wait until pressure was brought on by foriegn powers?

Why did the army have to rush the assualt on the taliban with out making arrangement for safe evacuation of the innocent civilians.

the operation must proceed on a 3-track process. firstly, the Taliban terrorists have to be attacked with the full and unambiguous force of the military power that Pakistan rightfully boasts so much about. Secondly, all the tools of govt should be mobilized to take care of the internal refugees – they deserve a much better deal than they are getting right now. And thirdly, the political process must continue with the eventual objective of establishing civilian institutions like police, judiciary, schools, healthcare. May be its not a bad idea to construct this whole system from the bottom-up. And with the disastrous past, may be the leadership (political, military, tribal, etc) will have the humility & sincerity to do it right also. And may be Swat could be built as a model for the rest of Pakistan – and finally be integrated with it also.

I don’t see this operation is going to succeed in near future. Although some surveys illustrate unity among Pakistanis on this critical issue but it seems that yet many people do not have the exact knowledge of complex situation.
This is war of ideas and we can not succeed only with force even though the force is necessary at this point. All the political forces and intellectuals must take part in this struggle to eliminate fundamentalism from society. Our people are really so ignorant look at the footage of IDPs most of the people are illiterate and underprivileged. Fundamentalists are using them. They are real cruel people rather curing the issues they have created another hell for them.

Now let me get one thing straigth.

Needless to say that the army is gaining on the Taliban and the operation is successful and all is good. It is the job of the army to keep everything under control. Pakistan has one of the worlds largest armies and by far Pakistan is not one of the largest countries. This large army has the job to secure not a very large area; obviously the people expect the army to secure the area. I am very happy that the operation is doing well and the army is doing its job.

As we have heard and learned from the history the operation should be last resort and limited to the areas needed the most. The doors for the dialogue should be opened at all times. As suggested by some MNAS the goverment should form a representative group representing all walks of life to continue the dialogue in parallel. Afterall the people being displaced are all Pakistani. We need to understand and address the issue by knowing the root cause rather than jumping to the surgery (operation).Some times when i sit back and analyse the developmets i am bound to think that in signing the Adl Regulation no one in government defended the Adl Regulation as genuine and according to the constitution. I can only pray that the wisdom prevail at the end and government does not hurt the Pakistanis as the miscreants were killing innocent people.

Only two comments
1- Eliminate Taliban from this earth. The world should be behind Pakistan army. As Taliban is not only threat to Islam and Muslim world but to all man kind and should be destroyed forever.

2- The Swat operation is very necessary and displace families should be very well looked after by the World community as they are paying the price to help the world.

The government of NWFP took the right decision by calling in Army to wipe out the militants. Having said that one should bear in mind that these militants are doing nothing but promoting foriegn agendas in the region i.e. to weaken the state of Pakistan and encircle regional powers. About the refugees, at least their lives are not at the hands of the mercenaries known by the name of Pakistani Taliban. The whole nation should take these refugees up in arms and help them as much as possible.

The army should have taken such decisive action a long time ago. The price of army’s vacilation is now being borne by the people of Swat who are either in camps or trying to keep safe in their homes. Now is the time to cleanse Pakistan, particularly the NWFP and FATA from these extremists. Now is not the time of appeasement or “brotherly” mercy. Evil needs to be dealt a decisive blow!

This is a no brainer. Just eliminate the lot.Close the Madarsahs and get some
intelligent souls to explain the real Islam.
This should have happened right after Zia’s
death! Lets go forward folks not backwards!

It’s either Pakistan or the militants. One or the other will survive. A protracted long drawn out confrontation will give the militants creeping ascendency and eventual victory and is the most likely outcome. To ensure victory the Pakistani Military has to throw everything it has behind the effort and not worry too much about it’s Eastern front. As an Indian, I don’t believe India is intersted in fighting a war with Pakistan. India’s priorities lie in progressing economically and expends most of its energy and resources towards that effort.

This is probably Pakistan’s best and last opportunity to rid themselves of the cancer eating at its innards. I hope they sieze it with both hands. Go pakistan!! I want you to prevail because I don’t want those terrorists at our doorstep.

The people of Swat/Malakand are hard pressed between the fanatics and the army. Both are ruthless, and in the process violate human rights. I beleive in the absence of clear objectives,Swat operation will not make a big change in the life of the people. I have not seen any signs of change in the thinking of our ruling elite, both military and civilian, which could reassure that this operation is being conducted with ut most care in mind of the residents of Swat Area.

We have no one to blame for this situation but our leadership. The act of allowing the taliban control in the first place has lead to such bloodshed.
Had they never allowed the taliban such freedom, they would have saved Pakistan a lot of face.

the military on its part is doing what military does best…. swift action and no questions asked.
we just hope that in the end all ends well and the taliban are forever rid from our beautiful land.

How can one say if success has been achieved or not, to what degree and against what clearcut goals or milestones.

Knowing that the operation carried out is out of sight of the world, to see a clear picture of what has the Army been doing so far in terms of killing the militants and / or civillians and how is it differentiating between the two. We will see the claim of their success in the facts & figures in manageing the IDPs. The IDPs being the outcome of war becomes the Army’s responsibility and need to be handled by them. As they are the only ones trained to handle such disasters and have the required headcount too. Get Set Go and don’t stop till everybody says BRAVO.

Once and for all the government and the army needs to be truthfull of thier handling of the crisis. There is no doubt that Talibanization need not only be stopped but eliminated from the future of Pakistan. Army should back up their claims, so general awam can see the actual outcome, similarly the govt should take good care of the IDP’s. Treat them as guests and not IDP’s. They are here in this situation because the govt and the army let Talibanization go on for too long.

I don’t understand what people really want. When Army was silent, you were accusing her of not taking any action. Now that Pak Army has taken decisive action against the militants, your focus tilts towards this swat operation and all of a sudden you become conscious of people’s rights.

Yes, anyone who takes up arms against the government needs to be dealt with power if they do not like to compromise. If they like to force the writ on the common people then they should provide clean surrounding, water and security. The action is justified if the following is in place at the minimum:

1) Avoid collateral damage.
2) Make proper arrangements for the displaced. Not only limited to tents and food but proper quality education facilities at camps must be provided.
3) Most importantly, avoid the return of the dangerous people by circling them so they do not escape to the mountains and return at a later time to strike at will.

Abandoning the peace deal under US pressure just a few days after signing it was not a good move. Over the long run the peace deal would have weakened the trouble makers and strengthened those who want peace and tranquality in the region.

If Pakistan is to re-establish its control, the government must assure that it works for the interest of its people and it should not appear to be working under foreign pressure.

Round up all these so called clergies, get them reformed untill they believe that God is mercyfull. Only evil people think of killing or barbaric punishment to any human being. This is the only way to kill eradicate this evil ideology which has been imposed on young siblings. Readers must use basic common sense that these so called clergies who wear religious uniform are evil in their heart if they show little mercy towards fellow human beings and we must oppose with very strong voice. All human being has right to have spiritual connection with god and these clergies has not right to take away this personel connection with God.

any military action will have its consequences, no one wants to do it for fun, and only if deemed absolutely essential.Pakistan has been forced into this otherwise it could have damaging to its own existence.
Nation is supporting this action and I hope that it will be done diligently, and rip out the menace and havoc created by Talibans-who are ruthless when it comes to human rights.I fully support this act, though it feel for innocent lives lost and displaced people.

I think with the military operation going on, our prestigious democratic government should and must invest on ‘education’ and employment oppurtunities for the poor people of Pakistan, (for which PPP stands for) so that our future generation arent forced to take the only chance of getting ‘kapra,roti, makan, by joining Taleban.
The jihad situation that we have today in our country is the result of generations of needy pakistani citizens who have been deprived from the facilities of basic education, food, shelter and clothing. So, these fighters are infact the victim of economic distress, they dont have a choice to select what to do, so they do whatever they are offered in return of food and some money.

Actual target should be focussed on capturing master minds and building an infrastructure for our society where citizens have choices to choose what they want to become, not what they have to under stringent circumstances.

That can only come through EDUCATION!

I understand the spirit of Gen. Kyani’s message. I agree complelety that the success of the operation mainly depends on how the IDP’s will be managed. People of Swat and area want a complete clean up, thats for sure. They have been forced to leave everything behind them. The journey has been and still is uncertain and extremely draining for them. They are the soul of the country! The govt., NGO’s and civil society should make a sincere effort to provide them shelter during this painful transition and provide complete assistance for rehablitation back in Swat and area. Ministry of Info or generally, media should promote the courageous sacrifices of IDP’s to keep the morale of the nation up beat. Blogs, video posts, posters in the city, public announcements on radio and TV. etc are a few to list.

These people are bleeding emotionally. There has to be a silver lining for them and most importanly to Quaid-e- Azam’s Pakistan. Pakistan Zidabad!

If the casualties are only 15 than we are getiing no where. Even 750 is not enough in app. 3 weeks, it should be lot more. What are we waiting for?

i think govt has taken a long awited decision. regarding the army’s capability to go for precision strikes to my opinion they have a better past in this regard. and are very well aware of the consequences of not doing so. Kiyani has proved to be very professional as he initially made the sufi Muhammad politically vulnerable and then showing his real face to the people.this has isolated the Taliban from any real spport they ever enjoyed, the mov of IDPs is also the step to avoid colletrale damage and will help our soldiers.
We must all come out to help our brethren from Swat they are making a grat sacrifice for the survival of country.

That it it is required is not in doubt, but sad nevertheless.

Precision strikes? With F16’s, Helicopters, and Howitzers?
A gurellia force has no HQ, nor does it sit in one place.

As for casulaties, who knows.

I hope the Army prevails, but it would be help their credibility if they rein in the pronouncements from ISPR.

Taliban and the islamists are a menace that need to be taken out. it will hurt in short term but will be good in long run.army is doing good work. keep it up jawans.

I think war is going on right track. More important is to handle people being moving from Swat and other war areas. If the government managed to handle these people than we will win this war, other wise it can go reverse and we might lose this war and having unbearable consequences.

It’s painful but necessary to crush anti government element. Religious figures should tell public true face of Islam so that public particularly young people don’t fall victims to so called Jihadis. May Allah give everyone wisdon.

still waiting to hear the news of sufi and fazlullah’s capture or elimination. Unless i see that those ullahs and suifs are dealt with force, i won’t believe hat is but a staged farcical drama. By the way just a suggestion…army should eliminate the imam dheri- madrassa of fazaluulah and construct a girls school there.

Needless to say that military operation was inevitable. These unrestrained religeous zealots must be stopped and reminded 0f the basic tennents of Islam as established by Prophet Muhammad Peace be upon him.

Ash Rehman

I believe the swat operation is going well. The army is clearly punishing the taliban and the relief operation for the IDPs is going well so far but there are two grave concerns. The first is that the there needs to be better management for registeration of IDPs as no Taliban should be allowed to enter the IDP camps. Second, the IDPs must not be mistreated in any way. It is as important to defeat the taliban as to take care of the IDPs and collateral damage must be minimized. There is another point about precision strikes, coalition forces have not been always careful as none of their own country men or women are at risk. Here the case is different and therefore i beleive that the air force will be a lot more careful. Media must play its role to keep up the moral of the whole nation as media is what i believe the most crucial player after the army in the war.

Inshallah it will as this is the first time the nation is united in uprooting this evil.There is no turning back now it is do or die battle. If we retreat now we would lose our society to these evil people called Taliban.

It will not be an easy tass and it will take time. There is no choice left but to persistently continue and finish the job. There will be considerable cost in terms of life and money and the country should be ready to pay this price. This problem is created in three decades and if it can be handled in three months then that will be a great achievement.

I will fully support this operation against these extremist by Pak army. They must flush them out coz they earned very bad name for Islam as well as Pakistan.We Pakistani living abroad are sick and tired by giving explanation about these so called Islamist and trying to tell them that this in not actual teaching of Islam.

The biggest issue right now is IDPs, if our civil administration as usual failed to make efficient arrangements for provision of amenties these camps can become yet another breeding camps for militants and sympathizers for militants can increase instead of decreasing. Above all as a nation we all must support the IDPs generously if we really want to get rid of militants and terrorists. God bless Pakistan and her citizens.

I fully support the Pak army in its operation. we should get rid of these so called religious fanatics, who wants to impose their kind of Islam?

I would also like to refer to Our Chief Justice, who had granted bail to Aziz. Doesnt’ he know that it was his actions that triggered the fight.

We should be ashamed of our deeds. Mairaj Mohammad Khan was right in quoting to Imran that Cricket is a game of chance, not the politics.

God bless Pakistan and Pak Army.

it needs intelligent approach by locating the leaders and commanders of militants by intelligence and spy networks and then eliminating them by precision attacks. killing bunch of talibans will not achieve the objective. learn from israel’s strategy of targeting palestinian leaders and commanders and effectvely ending intifada. old ways of doing business need to be revised .

I think the strategy is right on the track,we cannot let these savages escape,becuse if they escape right now,they will create terror by slughtering people somewhere else in Pakistan.As far as the strategy of targetting the Taliban from the close is concerned it is better ,atleast the armedforces will be able to control the cllatral damage if not completely stop it.It has to be understood that when ever there is a battle and shell of arty explode they will hit any one coming in the way of the splinters.We should also keep in mind that the talibans have stopped people from the troubled areas from going to the refugee camps and especially in Mingora thay are also petrollong the street and they are using the civil population as human shield also.
The talibans or should I say the enemies of our beloved Pakistan are daying in number there in swat and we should keep one more tthing in mind that they decieve there own people and teh world toi make every one belive that Allah is with them.For example by refusing to accept the casualties they may be trying to keep the remaing force intact and to keep to keep the moral of trhe taliban militants high.
I would suggest that we have to belive the armed forces and publish what ever is said by or official spokepersons and keep the interst of our country supreme ,And the interst of our country is in defeating the Taliban who are defaming our beautiful religion by leterally slaughtering the humanity just to consolidate there rule over the masses,and not to mention dismember Pakistan.

Unfortunately the army treats Pakistani citizens as children who need to be seen not heard – from an information standpoint.

Benazir Bhutto pointed blame at Musharraf for denying that we lost 2000 of our best and brightest in Kargil and he did not acknowledge it.

The US refused to help us 65 despite our CENTO membership because they knew we had initiated the conflict. We had almost depleted our reserves in that war when we were saved by the armistice and we celebrate it as a victory.

During the Musharraf Era, all the political parties used Pakistan position on WoT to bring Musharraf government down and to score pitty political points without even realizing the dire situation Pakistan was in. ANP was against military operations and committed to resolve all the issues without using force during their election compaign. The started with some sort of peace deals and retreated(partially) ARMY from key Taliban strong holds in SWAT. But soon they realized that things werent as simple as they looked from opposition benches. So Army was called in and it tried to clean the mess but half heartedly because of zero political support and with politicians like Imran Khan coming on private channels every day and bashing Pakistan military. But unfortunately he never speaks a single word against Taliban who have destroyed school, slaughtered people and crippled the Jirga system in FATA.
But after the sign of Sharia deal and subsequent movement of Taliban into other areas and the failure of Taliban to comply with the agreement of laying down weapons, it seemed that these so called Talibans have actually lost their key propoganda item(i.e. shariah). All these factors played an important role to build some sort of concensus for military operation. The way amry has started the operation on ground it seems that they are pretty much serious this time to nib the evil in the bud.
Lets hope that this time the operation is not stopped without its logical conclusion, otherwise outcomes in coming future will be disasterous to say the least.

In my opinion the military operation should be the last option. The government should be serious on the issue of IDPs as the number is increasing day by day…. The military field officers should be careful and cautious to minimize the civilian casualties during the operation…

That is lie spread by propagandists. the operation is effective. we just need to manage the IDPs properly. And need to shun all propaganda.

The issue at present is that Taliban; have gained extreme strength that they are placing a stiff resistance to our infantry. The question that comes to mind is that who is suppling them with arms and ammunition. Being the case the Talibans are in colaboration with our enemy with malicious intents on Pakistan. They must be dealth with an iron fist and be immediatly be eliminated from within.

I support the Pakistan army and hope for their imminent success. Taliban will and must be defeated at any and every cost.

This is the only chance to defeat militants onces in for all.. i wish wars could be fought on papers where their would be no civilian casualties..
we should support our army, put all the political difference behind and for once think about pakistan and its future..

If Pakistan have to use 15000 soldiers and all the military hardware against only 4000 Taliban, then this proves that the Taliban are a fighting force to be reckoned with. It would be more beneficial for Pakistan and the Muslim Ummah at large to negotiate with the Taliban and seek some common ground. By fighting with the Taliban, Pakistan will have no peace, the present government will soon disappear and the Muslim Ummah will just become more weaker by fighting amongst themselves for selfish interests of politicains. Pakistanis WAKE UP!!!

There is nothing like ‘precision strikes’ from the air. There will always be civilian casualties in the air strikes. This will create more Talibans than that are killed. This fight will be never-ending because even the ground troops will not be able to identify all enemy fighters. The fighting therefore should be confined to rooting out confirmed talibans by ground troops.
But the main strategy should be to reshape the hearts and minds of the population. The country’s constitution should be revised to make it secular and democratic. Education in madarsas should include respect for all human beings and all religions. If these steps are taken Pakistan can still be saved otherwise an unending period of turmoil is ahead.

Better suffer some casulaties now, and suffer collatral damage, then see the whole country become talibans play ground.