The government and also many politicians remained silent over the so called peace deal, which was considered as a defeat of a weak government. By imposing Shariat Law the government sought to reestablish peace in the troubled Swat Valley, and hoped that the militants would lay down their arms as agreed upon in the peace deal. Many foreign observers, civil society and human rights activists in Pakistan condemned the regulation, but their voices and pleas virtually went unheard. Unlike the expectation of the government peace did not return to Swat. Instead the militants advanced to other regions like Buner, which is only some 100 kilometers from Islamabad. These were alarming developments. Many foreign governments were highly concerned and speculated about possibilities of a takeover of nuclear armed Pakistan by the Taliban.
By now, the government has started a military operation to root out Taliban and other extremist elements from Pakistan - for the first time in the country’s history with the consent of the civil society. However, the fierce fighting between army and militants led to a humanitarian crisis with some three million displaced people. In the wake of the ongoing military operations Pakistan is not only facing a humanitarian crisis but also a deteriorating security situation due to continued suicide bombings by the militants thorough the country.
Civil Society issues a letter to the President
On Tuesday 28th April 2009 at 3 pm citizens of Lahore gathered outside the General Post Office to issue a letters to the President and other officials, in which they approve military action against the Taliban. More
Government Documents
Official text of the Nizam-e Adl Regulation
Press Release: President Asif Ali Zardari addresses Situation in Swat
In depth Analyses
ANALYSIS: Deep trouble By Rasul Bakhsh Rais
To solve its multiple security threats, Pakistan needs to evolve a long-term strategy of social and political reconstruction; invoking national spirit and solidarity must rest at the centre of such a strategy.
Taliban: A physical Entity, a mind set, or both? by Saima Jasam, Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung Pakistan
Taliban in today’s Pakistan are not only a physical entity, but are as much a part of a mind set. It is much easier to physically root out the Taliban but much harder to counter the mind set.
Towards Theocracy? State and Society in Pakistan Today by Pervez Hoodbhoy (Frontline)
For 20 years or more, a few of us in Pakistan have been desperately sending out SOS messages, warning of terrible times to come. Nevertheless, none anticipated how quickly and accurately our dire predictions would come true.
Swat Deal and Implication for the Rest of Pakistan by Center for Research and Security Studies
The writ of the State was so thoroughly eroded that despite the presence of a large number of troops in Swat, the local militants ruled effectively. The locals had started taking their litigations to the Taliban instead of the regular law courts.
Taliban’s Terrorizing Insurgency: Challenge to Pakistani State by Center for Research and Security Studies
Pakistan is literally on fire and we, Pakistanis, have neither the appropriate fire-fighting equipment nor trained fire-fighters. We must ask the world to come help us put the flame out or the flame shall burn us all to ashes.
Peace in Waziristan by Citha D. Maass and Christian Wagner (SWP)
While the agreement may bring about a cessation of hostilities in North Waziristan, it could constitute a setback to the battle against terrorism in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Media Coverage
The sorry tale of Peshawar by Imtiaz Gul (The News)
Peshawar, my city, today lives in fear, frustration with the socio-economic structures crumbling in the face of rising crime and the invisible nexus that exists between the world of politics and crime – all under the cover of insurgency
Preventing a Taliban Victory by Pervez Hoodbhoy (Dawn)
Now that the army has turned serious, Baitullah Mehsud cannot expect to stroll down Constitution Avenue any time soon, nor hope to sit in the presidency.
I’m here to understand what you mean by Taliban by Salman Siddiqui (Dawn)
Do you mean a militant? Do you mean an ideology? Exactly what is it that is being fought? That needs to be clarified.
Many Readings of Sharia by Ayesha Siddiqa (Dawn)
The 1973 Constitution stipulates that all laws conform to the Quran and Sunnah, with no mention of the Sharia. This indicates that the constitution gives the right of interpretation of laws of the state to legislators acting on behalf of the people rather than dogmatic ones of the past.
Taliban: A Response to Modernity by Rafia Zakaria (The Hindu)
There lies the less visible saga of how the uneasy ideological relationships between the modern and the post-modern, the authentic and the inauthentic, and ultimately the indigenous and the foreign have colluded to produce the particular appeal of the Taliban in Pakistan.
Striking back at the Taliban by Imtiaz Gul (The Friday Times)
It seems that this time around, the unity of command – army, intelligence, paramilitary and the civilian leadership – guarantees durable and credible success. Failure is not an option.
Taliban’s Terror-Jizya on Sikhs by Ram Puniyani (Plural India)
Taliban have imposed a tax (Jizya) on non Muslims. The failure to pay the full Jizya has caused Sikhs dear, while some of them have been kidnapped and others’ household properties have been confiscated.
President Approves Sharia Laws for Malakand by Syed Irfan Raza (Dawn)
President Asif Ali Zadari has given approval to the provincial government of North West Frontier Province (NWFP) to allow militants to enforce Sharia laws in entire Malakand Division including Swat.
Where Were You, Dear Sisters? by Zubeida Mustafa (Dawn)
Much has been said about the shameful performance of our parliament on April 13 when it approved the controversial Nizam-i-Adl Regulation. Two members protested. But why did the others lose their voice? What happened to the women?
Living with Delusions by Hasan-Askari Rizvi (Daily Times)
Strident nationalism has given boost to Islamic political discourse in Pakistan. The major beneficiaries of this perspective are the Taliban and other militants who are not described as adversaries in the Islamist-nationalist discourse.
Downside of Denial by Imtiaz Gul (The Friday Times)
There is much talk today of the possible disintegration of Pakistan. The pessimism is based on the extremely controversial Swat deal, the string of suicide attacks, and the inability of the provincial and federal governments to offer workable dialogue-development strategies to counter the militants.
Fighting the Hordes by Ayesha Siddiqa (Dawn)
There are two important questions here: one, are the Taliban a temporary phenomenon and, two, does society have the capacity to fight them off?
Endorsing Surrender by Abbas Rashid (Daily Times)
Within parliament as well as outside, there is an air of complacency overshadowed by confusion and fear. If ceding Swat was meant to appease the hunger of the militants, it has obviously served only to whet their appetite.
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