Past mistakes

Almost all countries have vowed to criminalise the practice of collecting funds for terrorist purposes. The FATF has developed recommendations like the freezing of financial assets of person even remotely associated with any terror activity. Regardless of counter arguments by certain quarters in Pakistan, the fact remains that Pakistan, as a responsible UN member, must adhere to the demands for countering terror financing, especially given its dire economic conditions and heavy reliance on financial assistance from developed countries. It is also a universally accepted norm that a state alone must have the monopoly over the use of force.

A state should never allow the existence of armed private militias on its soil or else its sovereignty stands compromised. Unfortunately, Zia’s decision to indulge in the Afghanistan proxy war and give sanctuary to alien militant groups continues to wreak havoc across the country. Zia allowed the country to be used by the US to avenge its Vietnam defeat, but in the process, disturbed the country’s peace and tranquillity.

Malik Tariq Ali

Lahore