Articles of the year 2014
Published on June 24th 2014
"It took less than an hour for the specialised Rangers Anti Terrorists (RAT) and Airport Security Force with a small contingent of police, to kill seven terrorists who had entered the Western side of the airport terminal through two entries between Gerry’s Dnata warehouse and Fokker Gate. First, five terrorists broke through in the direction of Fokker Gate. One blew himself up, killing 5 ASF soldiers on duty. The remaining four entered the premises firing small arms and rockets. ASF detachment led by Colonel Tahir Ali and a small group of RAT led by Brigadier Basit established a blocking position towards the tarmac. Three terrorists were killed instantly. One was wounded, who blew himself up. The other five terrorists were engaged by RATS and Police and prevented entry to the tarmac. Four were killed and one blew himself up. In terms of time, all terrorists had been eliminated by midnight. By dawn, the area was sanitised. The retaliation was swift, effective and lethal. Shooting dead seven terrorists before they blew themselves up is a first. There was no damage to any aircraft or logistics facility. It defeated and frustrated the planners and abettors of terrorism."
This is an account in the 'Nation' of the 17 June. I am proud of the performance of our forces that managed to eliminate the attackers within one hour of the attack.
This is laudable, for it shows that our forces at the airport had managed to control the attack. We must realize that 'any' armed and committed terrorist will succeed in breaking through the initial barriers, before the defensive cordon can be deployed. This has happened all over the world, as the element of surprise always will be on the side of the attackers. This can be seen in attacks in other countries like the US. The initial advantage is always with the attacker, it then falls upon the defender to prove his ability to regroup, and repulse the attack. In this our ASF, and Rangers did an admirable job in containing the attackers.
What is truly disgraceful is the adherence to the VIP culture, and how the visit of the 'VIPS' blocked the passage of the Fire Engines to go through to the Cargo shed, in which seven poor workers were being burned alive while the CAA and ASF were pandering to the VIPS, diverted from their prime objective -- fighting the attackers, and rescuing the victims. There is a time and place for playing politics, certainly not when people are burning to death. The media would do well if it was to highlight the names and pictures of the VIPS in question. Action should be taken against the officer who allowed his attention to be diverted from his primary duty, by some self-important dignitary. The rule of law is often interpreted by the 'VIPS' to establish that they are above the law, and therefore must be obeyed, and not the law. Even to the extent of causing deaths. This must be examined by the CAA officials, and those found guilty should be punished.
The damage was limited, and the loss of life was the most serious aspect. This should make the Army sit up and take notice of the threat of the TTP to Pakistan, and the ominous presence within Karachi. The ISI should ignore the sniping from the Media, and concentrate on digging out the lairs of the TTP, and any other cohort they have. They are all enemies of Pakistan, and should be treated as such. If there are any sympathisers, then they should also be investigated. Instead of investigating the agenda of Tahirul Qadri, the Government must investigate the TTP , who have already confessed to be behind the attackers of Karachi airport. The PMLN should not politicise what is in fact a criminal act by anti-Pakistan elements. In fact the performance of the security forces is to be lauded, while the politicians have succeeded yet again to expose themselves to ridicule, and to be a hurdle in the implementation of the security response. Unfortunately, this behaviour reaches to the highest level of the Government. The media would do well if they exposed the failings of the entire episode. So that the public is made aware of the true incompetence of the persons we have voted into power.