Although the law-enforcement agencies in Lahore busted a sectarian group this week, it is still not clear if this indicates a change of strategy on the part of Punjab government, which until now has turned a blind eye to militant activity in the province despite worrying reports and assessments.
Senior officials point out that the Punjab government has been “sleeping over” regular reports being sent to them by intelligence agencies about the increasing presence of sleeper cells of proscribed militant organisations.
More than one intelligence official involved in the preparation of these reports told Dawn that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif were aware of the militant threat present in Punjab, but they were not taking strict measures to counter them.
According to the intelligence officials, the provincial government only reacts to terrorist attacks after they happen in what can be called an ad hoc manner; it has no long-term counter-terrorism strategy.
Specific incidents are investigated, its culprits are traced but this can be called a reactive policy at best. “Whenever there is a meeting on security, the chief minister and other officials of his government acknowledge that sleeper cells of armed militants are now entrenched in Lahore and the rest of the province. However, this discussion does not lead to a consensus on taking concrete steps,” remarked an official of a federal intelligence agency.
He pointed out that South Punjab was already home to Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, Sipah-i-Sahaba and Lashkar-e-Taiba. But of late their presence in central and northern Punjab towns has also been noticed and the information conveyed to the provincial government.
“The most worrisome part is their ability to carry out armed operations in the upper part of the province.”
Sunday, April 20, 2014
Punjab govt accused of being soft on militants
Although the law-enforcement agencies in Lahore busted a sectarian group this week, it is still not clear if this indicates a change of strategy on the part of Punjab government, which until now has turned a blind eye to militant activity in the province despite worrying reports and assessments.
Senior officials point out that the Punjab government has been “sleeping over” regular reports being sent to them by intelligence agencies about the increasing presence of sleeper cells of proscribed militant organisations.
More than one intelligence official involved in the preparation of these reports told Dawn that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif were aware of the militant threat present in Punjab, but they were not taking strict measures to counter them.
According to the intelligence officials, the provincial government only reacts to terrorist attacks after they happen in what can be called an ad hoc manner; it has no long-term counter-terrorism strategy.
Specific incidents are investigated, its culprits are traced but this can be called a reactive policy at best. “Whenever there is a meeting on security, the chief minister and other officials of his government acknowledge that sleeper cells of armed militants are now entrenched in Lahore and the rest of the province. However, this discussion does not lead to a consensus on taking concrete steps,” remarked an official of a federal intelligence agency.
He pointed out that South Punjab was already home to Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, Sipah-i-Sahaba and Lashkar-e-Taiba. But of late their presence in central and northern Punjab towns has also been noticed and the information conveyed to the provincial government.
“The most worrisome part is their ability to carry out armed operations in the upper part of the province.”
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