Saturday, 14 Nov, 2009
THE target killing in Peshawar of Syed Abul Hassan Jaffry serves as a reminder that in terms of law and order Pakistan is going through extraordinary times that demand extraordinary measures.
A Pakistani national who worked in the city’s Iranian consulate, Mr Jaffry was shot while on his way to office in what the police believe was a sectarian attack. There is no doubt that the crime was well planned: the police have already pointed out the possibility that Mr Jaffry’s car was fired upon from two directions by more than one assailant. Certainly, it is difficult to deter such determination to kill. Nevertheless, adequate protection could have saved Mr Jaffry’s life. Six months ago he was offered police guards after receiving threats, but he was unaccompanied at the time of Thursday’s attack.
The country’s security situation is worsening rapidly. Apart from experiencing the general havoc being wreaked by terrorists, the country has also seen an increase in sectarian- and ethnic-based violence. Members of the general public are obviously at risk. But as many attacks have shown, persons belonging to certain sects and religions can be specific targets. Proper protection must be offered to vulnerable groups and they themselves should take reasonable precautions.
The authorities must identify the potential high-profile targets among them and step up surveillance, strengthening the security of those who may be on the terrorists’ hit list. At the same time, however, greater and more urgent efforts are needed to address the root issues underlying such violence. There is no alternative to the country being purged of terrorism at all levels – along with military and police operations to take out the militants and halt the activities of sectarian outfits that fan and fund violence, socio-economic measures are needed to change the mindset that supports the goals of the militants.
Ends.
http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/news/pakistan/07-beefing-up-security-ha-02
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