Drone attack in Hangu - the first US drone attack in settled areas of Pakistan

Residents stand at the site of a drone attack on a seminary in Hangu district, Nov 21, 2013. — Photo by Reuters

A US drone attack on a madrassa in Hangu area that killed 6 persons has created a shock wave across the whole country. This is because the US has widened their domain of international terrorism to settled areas and people feel that now no city of Pakistan is virtually safe from drones. This has happened because of apathy of the government who is as mum as usual on this serious issue also. Is the government now waiting for drones to attack people in Kohat, Peshawar and then Islamabad? 

American war on terror was brought in Pakistan during Pervez Musharaf era. It was nurtured and made more lethal during Zardari-led PPP government and now PML-N  government is not seen in a position to take any stance that could rescue the country from perpetual disaster. The main reason for this apathy is that the present set-up has been brought to power with a 'stolen 'mandate' to achieve specific objectives by international players. 

The US has rightly selected the most coward, the most spineless and the most timid ruler in the history of Pakistan to extend their drone attacks beyond tribal areas. They fully know that the NS govt will never take a slightest step against them because of obvious reasons. Had the elections been conducted in fair and free manner, the genuine leadership would have taken pragmatic steps, and by now the US would have been compelled to revisit their drone policy. 

This is not a good omen for NS government  Coupled with unprecedented price hike, ever-depleting economy, an uncontrollable inflation and deteriorating law and order situation, the danger bells for the government have started ringing much earlier than expected. 

If the NS government is unable to retrieve the situation by taking drastic and revolutionary steps, I am afraid the government may not survive by the end of next year. In case NS feels that he is genuinely incapable of retrieving the situation on any pretext, then instead of waiting for chaos and anarchy to knock at the door, he should better admit his failure in public and resign. 

There is no point in clinging to power at the peril of the country. But in all my sincerity, I want to see NS and his  government survive with dignity and success. 

By Akhtar Hayat Malik

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Posted in: Drone Attacks,GoP,Nawaz Sharif,Pakistan,Point to Ponder,USA,War on Terror