So, finally the military has launched its long awaited operation against extremists in North Waziristan. This is the largest military offensive so far in a war that has been raging for over a decade but which has been largely unrecognised as such by successive governments as well as society. After sustained precision targeted air strikes, a ground assault is about to begin. The ongoing operation could be a turning point in this war. If the political leadership and the people of Pakistan rise to the occasion, it could also be a watershed moment in the history of Pakistan. In this article, I will discuss the main features of this potentially historic moment and the challenges before the leadership, civil society and military to actualise the great potential this moment offers.
Who are the extremist groups in North Waziristan that the military is engaging in battle? Reportedly, there is a network of various foreign and local militant groups. According to Mr Zahid Hussain, the well-known author and journalist, the foreign militants include al Qaeda, Uzbek and Chechen groups, the East Turkestan Islamic Movement manned mainly by Chinese Uighur militants, and Libyan Islamic fighters. The local militant groups, in a loose alliance, include the Taliban operating from North Waziristan, South Waziristan and from hideouts across the border in Afghanistan (the assumption that ‘good and bad Taliban’ are distinct entities that can be dealt with separately has been proved to be invalid). According to recent newspaper reports, a large number of militants in North Waziristan have escaped and are escaping into Afghanistan, which is why Pakistan’s army chief is reported to have asked Afghanistan to plug the gaps on the Pakistan-Afghanistan border to prevent Pakistan-based militants from finding refuge across the border.
This network of foreign and local fighters will now face the devastating power of one of the finest fighting forces in the world: the Pakistan army in conjunction with the Pakistan air force. In terms of professional training, the quality of leadership in battle and the commitment to sacrifice their lives for the homeland, the Pakistan military is second to none. The nation can be proud of them as they go forward to defend the country.

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