Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad has been launched throughout the country by Pakistan’s army, it is indeed the ‘elimination of discord’ by its translation and is a reflection of strong political will to clean this soil of terrorism and its supporters. It is of course a giant step to marginalize the hidden activities of sleeper cells of so many regional secret agencies operating in the country. It aims at indiscriminately eliminating the residual/ latent threat of terrorism, consolidating the gains made in other military operations, and further ensuring the security of Pakistan’s borders.
Pakistan Air Force, Pakistan Navy, Civil Armed Forces (CAF) and other security and law enforcing agencies (LEAs) are actively participating in and support the armed forces’ efforts to eliminate the terrorism from the country. Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad is now in full swing.
Ongoing operation Radd-ul-Fasaad is primarily based on four pillars which are given below in Figure-I which shows its comprehensiveness, effectiveness and systematic approach of the armed forces and its associated agencies. After a series of deadly bomb blasts in different parts of the country, it was realized to launch military operation in the cities of Punjab also, especially in Southern Punjab.
Important Role of Rangers
Rangers have been ordered to start coordinated efforts to eliminate terrorists in the Punjab. More than 200 most wanted terrorists have been killed by Pakistan’s Army. Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad covers all aspects of domestic security and tries to maintain better law and order through well designed and coordinated efforts of all stakeholders in the country. The salient features of this operation are given below in figure-II
National Security and Terrorism
Terrorism is a threat to national security and plans for socio-economic development. It is anti-human but regional secret agencies are fueling humans as crucial human shield to achieve their goals of sabotage, destructive activities and countrywide disability.
Even Punjab which was reluctant previously due to certain reasons requested the federal government to deploy over 2,000 Rangers personnel in the province, who would be given policing powers to conduct intelligence-based operations (IBOs) against militants, wherever required and with full authority. The Federal government responded and approved Punjab’s request for Rangers deployment.
Parameters of Success
Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad success is based on the marginalization of sleeper cells, promotion of security culture, better cyber warfare, maximum utility of human intelligence, de-politicalizing of policing system, effective use of military courts, institutionalization of judicial reforms, revival of secretive agents and counter narratives.
success of Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad is also based on better domestic apparatus and external checks and balances.
a. Domestic Apparatus
The above figure-III clearly indicates the X-Success factors of Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad. Counter narrative has a strategic importance because of the rapidly regional and international political maneuverings and misled human stringer missiles of Al-Qaida, ISIS, TTP and their sanctuaries in different parts of the country. Terrorists use rhetoric model comprising of the following:-
The above given rhetoric model of communication appeals to idealistic and simplistic youth. It has been a very successful model of communication which has already won unlimited hearts and minds of the youth. Subsequently “model of indoctrination” pollutes minds of young people around the globe. Terrorists are masters of deception which have multiplier effects.
Government’s Strategy
It is important that the policy makers and all power brokers in the country must rectify pitfalls in the national policy for youth by designing, developing and disseminating a “counter narrative” with specific focus on the youth as the prime target. Job creating on regular basis and spread of positive activities should be the mantra of the government.
Model of Countering Terrorist Narrative
Terrorism has noting do with any religion which needs to be highlighted at every possible forum. Pakistan is fighting against terrorists because of its own national survival and this is one of the biggest hindrances in achieving socio-economic prosperity, political stability and societal harmony and peace. The clergy and collective consensus among the different faiths/ sects may hold the key to form a uniformed national counter narrative against terrorism. Patriotic songs may be useful to raise emotions but this is not the right policy to project a true picture of national narrative.
Vulnerable Youth
Increase of terrorist activities involving the educated youth should serve as a wake-up call for the policy makers. Most of the terrorists arrested from the city of lights, Karachi are highly educated. National efforts are urgently needed to remove terrorist tendencies in the youth. The social media has been effectively used by enemies of humanity in the world. Most recently, Bangladesh has banned use of social media from 12 PM to 6 AM. UAE, Turkmenistan, Iran even Germany has started an operation against social media gamers to maintain peace in society. There should be some certain technical filters and regulations to check the functions of social media. National security must be the prime priority instead of social media wonders.
Misuse of Social Media
Misuse of social media is the hallmark of ISIS and Al-Qaida in Europe which is one of the main reasons behind the series of deadly attacks in different parts of the EU. The fleeing of women from Lahore, young people from Sialkot and other cities all indicate only one thing i.e. Social Media Connectivity with ISIS, TTP, Al-Qaida and Jamaat-ul-Ahraar (JuA) are on the rise in Pakistan which must be handled with an iron hand.
Role of Better Human Intelligence
Maximum utility of human intelligence may play a decisive role in the overall success of Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad. Human intelligence is our national asset which needs to be further trained, updated and educated according to the prevailing security situation. Better selection, training and psychological motivation may be the order of the day. Models of Israeli, Libyan, Iraqi, Uzbekistan and even Russian human intelligence may be further studied in order to achieve desired goals of peace and sustainability in the country. Comparative analysis of secret agencies clearly shows that the “Right Person” is not at the right slot, lack of professionalism is a killer which must be rectified as soon as possible.
Repercussions of a bad Policing System
De-politicizing of policing system may achieve wonders in our resolve against terrorism. The Punjab government is making all possible efforts to further train its police from foreign trainers. Many refresher courses and training schemes are being held by Turkish Instructors in Punjab. There is an urgent need to change the mentality, functionality, persuasion and investigative abilities of the policing system which has totally been removed from intelligence based operations that has marginalized its capabilities and efficiency. Reformation of the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) on modern lines is the need of the hour.
Politics is a zero-sum game and national security is a grand human shield which must not be affected for some political mileage and crushing of opponents. Genuine reformation of “peace committees” and “citizen policing” must be regulated in the country for the further strengthening of Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad.
Utility of Military Courts
Establishment of military courts has been extended for further two years. We are passing through a difficult time where even national security is at stake. Speedy trails and justice system may be effective to punish the terrorists in the country.
Anti-Cyber Warfare Policy
Better cyber warfare is a must to eliminate terrorists from Pakistan. Terrorists are more equipped and educated in terms of snooping, computer software and connectivity. Most of Europe is now victim of cyber connectivity. Anti-terrorism laws, courts, filters and regulations are being formed in most of the world to counter cyber terrorism. Pakistan now has cyber-crime law which must be operational in order to minimize the networking of terrorists and their supporters in the country.
Importance of Security Culture Knowledge
Promotion of security culture is essential for the success of Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad. In most of the Central Asian Countries security culture subjects are being institutionalized in schools, colleges and universities. Security culture is the essence of human survival and sustainable development that also acts as a strategic cushion against any crime, sabotage activity, guerilla warfare and existence of non-state actors. National security is the foremost priority which must be realized by all policy makers and power brokers. Governments, departments, institutions, organizations and even NGOs must promote security culture through effective media campaigns, not just walks.
Sleeper Cells
Marginalization of sleeper cell is a gigantic task for the success of operation Radd-ul-Fasaad. Attacks in the West have been conducted through two different types of terrorist organizations: the sleeper cell and the hit squad. The term “sleeper cell” means different things to different people, and is used to reference a variety of threats. Sleeper cells are groups of terrorists who are already in place and ready to act, as opposed to hit squads which are infiltrated into the target country shortly before an attack. Sleeper cells are trained and ready to carry out attacks at a designated time and place and are loosely organized and blend into communities easier through legitimate employment. Sleeper cells are the Achilles heel.
Many sleeper cells have been dismantled in Karachi, Rawalpindi, Lahore and other metropolitan cities in the country but there is great concern that additional terrorist sleeper-cells may become active and launch further attacks. Secret agencies must discover and destroy sleeper cells and must track terrorists’ movements, trace their communications, disrupt their funding and take their network apart piece by piece.
Governments (federal & provinces) along with all secret agencies must focus on extension of combing operations in the selected and susceptible pockets in all cities, towns, and provinces. mushroom growth of Islamic schools/ centers alongside Multan Road connecting Central Punjab to Southern Punjab then to interior Sindh and Balochistan, this road is allegedly linked with franchises of terrorism which must be dealt with iron hands.
Al Qaeda, ISIS, TTP and many other terrorist organizations and groups do not operate only in Afghanistan, but in more than 60 countries including the U.S. Undoubtedly, most recently better border management has made recruitment harder, planning harder, and moving between different cities within Pakistan but we still have a long way to go. In Pakistan there are concerns that sleeper cells are agency agents and working as agents providing information to RAW or other foreign agencies and they are living in Karachi since 1970 and more than 100 sleeper cells are in Karachi.
Better Human Intelligence Practice
Better human intelligence practice may achieve the desired goals of peace and stability. Most of the secret intelligence agencies in the country rely on the strength of human intelligence which needs to be further polished for eliminating terrorists from the country.
Policy makers must act and act swiftly to save lives of the people. Implementation of National Action Plan may lead us towards a better and safer place. We must seek guidance from other countries for further strengthening of our resolve against terrorism. Since Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad has been announced as a continuation of the National Action Plan (NAP) we must look at different successful case studies and models adopted by different countries to cope with the menace of terrorism.
| Global Resolve against Terrorism | Details |
| France | France promulgated more than 26 laws within a single day and implemented all possible measures and policies to haunt-out terrorists after Paris Attack in 2016. |
| China | It has introduced incentive based mechanism in its secret agencies which proved a better strategy to combat terrorism |
| USA | It completely revisited its security policies and introduced “homeland security” concept. |
| Induction of Women | Many countries have started induction of women in their prime secret agencies to increase its efficiency, productive and functionality. |
Inactivation of NAP
Previously, NAP had also promised to take action against seminaries involved in militancy, but the government dithered on bringing them under control, apparently for fear of backlash from religious parties as well as militants. NAP was envisaged to counter hate speech and extremist material through the powers vested in the provincial police and other authorities. Pemra and other regulatory authorities were tasked with checking and banning the glorification of terrorism and militant groups through print and electronic media. The drafting of the Electronic Media Code of Conduct was also a positive step. The provinces were further instructed under NAP to raise a counter-terrorism force under a dedicated command structure. Now it is high time that bold steps are taken to fight terrorism.
Military Operations
The State and the Pakistan Army have been trying to eliminate terrorists from the country for which many military operations have been carried out against local and foreigner militants since 2008 in different parts of the country. Most of these military operations brought peace and stability in these areas. The surrendering of many separatists groups in Baluchistan is a welcome gesture which should not be stopped.
Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad: External Dimensions
The success rate of ongoing Radd-ul-Fasaad may also be determined from managing external factors too. Role of statesmanship, active role of foreign ministry, better border management, reformation of national policy of regionalism, rethinking of national priorities and alliances and the last but not the least, national policy for economic terrorism may be useful to make this operation a grand success.
The world has totally changed after the Donald Trump took over as President of the USA, even the principles of internationalism, globalization, conflict resolution and power politics have been shattered. The chances appear to be bright for another world conflict, especially after the rapidly geo-political and geo-strategic changes in Syria where USA, France, UK, Saudi Arabia, UAE and most of the Middle East and MENA have different stances. On the contrary Iran, Russia, China, Lebanon and Hamas have totally opposite views of managing the conflict. It is feared that if Pakistan does not take steps in right direction its desire for rapprochement with Russia might be jeopardized. Moreover, normalizing efforts with Iran may also be in the line of fire in the days to come on the burning issues of Syria and probably the appointment of retired General Raheel Sharif as Commander-in-Chief of the Saudi-led Islamic Coalition. There is an urgent need for genuine statesmanship to lead from the front in order to protect our national interests.
Border management will stimulate our efforts to eliminate terrorists, it may also be effective for the further strengthening of Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad. We do have a porous border with Afghanistan which must be rectified as soon as possible. Right steps have been taken in right direction for achieving better border management. The Afghan border was closed for so many days due to security reasons, no cross-border or unauthorised entry was allowed into Pakistan from Afghanistan. Security forces were given special orders to maintain strict vigilance all along the border.
Pakistan’s Army is for the security of people of Pakistan against all types of threat. It is the commitment of our security forces that they do not let the hostile agenda succeed whatever it may cost. The Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa talked to US General John Nicholson and said that continued acts of terrorism in Pakistan from Afghanistan are testing the current policy of cross border restraint. General Bajwa said most of the incidents of terrorism in Pakistan are claimed by terrorist organisations whose leadership is hiding in Afghanistan. He asked the commander of the Resolute Support Mission (RSM) to play his role in “disconnecting this planning, direction, coordination and financial support”. During the conversation with Nicholson, Bajwa also informed him of the list of terrorists handed over to Afghan authorities earlier today.
Concluding Remarks
Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad has been started to curb the enemies of Pakistan who will not be able to hinder the way of national progress, the entire nation is united against terrorism. Pakistan has been facing terrorism for many decades and the facilitators hiding in the country are far more dangerous than any external enemy. Internal unity and fighting with determination against terrorists will make sleeper cells and their supporters dysfunctional. Ongoing Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad is carried out to take firm action against all kinds of terrorists.
The present government has made a strong policy against terrorism as well as enhancing economic growth i.e. the CPEC, ECO, etc from which enemies of Pakistan are frightened. Incidents of terrorism increased after CPEC, perhaps a joint Pak-China security team may be a useful idea to protect the interests of CPEC.
It is high time that we woke up from deep slumber and acted wisely. We are a diehard nation having one of the best armed forces in the world but we only need wise and articulate national leadership which must have strategic vision to handle all internal and external pressures in the fight against terrorism. This battle cannot be won in isolation, integration and convergence and national unity are the need of the hour. Pakistan comes first, political mileage is secondary.
Terrorists have certain agendas which need to be dismantled. Turkey, Sri Lankan and even Saudi Arabian models of counter terrorism may be useful to eliminate terrorism form Pakistan. Zero-tolerance against terrorism, hatred, sectarianism, fundamentalism, religious prejudice and discrimination must be implemented at once. A series of proxy wars have already produced dents in our social fabric which must be repaired by “SAYING NO” to any regional ill design and international power politics.
