The Pakistani Spectator

Regardless of the nature of the military operation or the location of it, the biggest reality is that success cannot be achieved without the hands-down support of the local population. When the forces will have powerful moral grounds and bursting popular support at thier back, they will crush any enemy anywhere.

Pakistan Army has defeated the Taliban and now clearing out the residue. Many areas of the Malakand Agency including Peuchar, Shangla, Pir Baba, Buner, Mingora, Charbagh, Kabal and Matta are in the control of the military and the civil administration has starting charge. Taliban are now climbing up the high mountains, and the airforce and artillery is chasing them out there.

This is the time when the IDPs will start returning to their homes, and army will find it hard to do street fighting, if there are any Taliban left, so that should be relegated to the elite force and police commandoes. Also the top leadership of the Taliban like Sufi Muhammad, Fazlullah, Shah Doran, Muslim Khan and some of others are still at large and they could return. It’s a must to wipe out these terrorists as soon as possible.

Last but not lease massive rehabilitation activities must be started in the area to ensure that frustration doesn’t creep in again and Taliban dont find yet another chance to exploit the people of Malakand.