Now Taliban knocks on Peshawar’s door
Pakistan government’s argument of giving approval of Sharia law in the captured
Swat region by the Taliban faction for peace is proving wrong in the expected line. The sole purpose of making Pakistan turned into a hard core extremist oriented Islamic country is slowly taking shape due to worthless weak government.
Business men in Peshawar have been issued orders to close their business houses and follow the norms dictated by Taliban in the order. The federal communication minister Arbab Alamgir also a successful businessman in Peshawar is on the verge of winding up his business at Jamrood Road as he is unable to cope with the threat received form Lashker-e-Islam, Mangal Bagh, If a politician influential leader falls in the prey of Taliban, then the plight of common people is well understood. The on the spot scenario is so panicky that men cannot leave their children and women folk at home alone. The provincial government has failed to protect its citizens from these serious threats. It is also considering distributing weapons to residents for defending themselves, what an irony. After Peshawar, Taliban’s target would be Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Peshawar is surrounded by Mohmand Agency in the north, Khyber Agency in the west, and Darra Adam Khel in the south. All three areas are under control of Taliban in different names. These places are lorded by Umer Khalid, Mangal Bagh, and Tariq Afridi in that order.
Peshawar’s strategic importance has been used in the past to tackle Russians in
Afghanistan, and now US is using it for its fight against terrorism in Pakistan. The extremists attacked a convoy of 100 truck carrying supplies for US and Nato troops in Afghanistan very recently, said to be one of the largest operation by Taliban. Peshawar’s proximity to Afghanistan is only 25 kilometers. Shahid Khatak, the professor of international relations at Peshawar University is pessimistic of any positive outcome from the government and said that the whole NWFP will succumb under Taliban if Peshwar is lost.
Alamzeb, a member of the provincial assembly lost his life, Asfandyar Ali and Bashir Bilour, both minister, narrowly escaped in recent attacks on them. Attacks and threats are increasing day by day, and it won’t be long for the Taliban to get success if effective action is not taken fast. US has planned for big assault on Taliban is also mentioned in the news.