In-camera briefing

The briefing has evoked some valuable comments from different opposition quarters. It has been called an 'eyewash' devoid of any analysis about the course the authorities have adopted. PML(N) leader Mian Nawaz Sharif appreciated the idea of convening the session, but felt the briefing had been limited in scope and very correctly pointed out that any solution imposed from outside would ruin the prospects of success. One would also endorse his stand that the entire nation would have to be taken along in the exercise of combating militancy. The spate of terrorist attacks the country has been lately subjected to (the latest being at the Islamabad police camp yesterday) amply speaks for this view. That is also the call of the security forces, but to get the general public's support they have to take them into confidence in all ramifications of terrorism.

One expects that the question-answer session of Thursday, also held in camera, would have brought to light the logic of involvement in the War On Terror in the first instance and the rationale behind the military operations. The view being expressed by some politicians, that former President Musharraf should be asked to depose before Parliament about such matters should be seriously considered. This would facilitate the formulation of a comprehensive policy to combat the menace.