Swat Attack should be Eye Opener for Pakistan

A convoy of diplomats from 12 friendly nations was hit with Improvised Explosive Device (IED).

Swat Attack should be Eye Opener for Pakistan as it rings the bell for rising militancy in the region. Although, all the diplomats remained safe. However, an advance party in the convoy was hit. A policeman was martyred on the spot while three were injured. The Swat Attack was clearly planned to target the foreign dignitaries in Pakistan. The entourage included Ambassadors of Indonesia, Portugal, Kazakhstan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, Turkmenistan, Vietnam, Iran, Russia and Tajikistan. The tour was arranged by the local traders through their Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The tour was planned to promote business, trade and commercial ties with these countries.

It must be noted that such tours are arranged with proper coordination of various departments within the province and the federal government. It involves coordination at district management, high level police engagement as well as involvement of civil and military agencies. Moreover, it usually involves fool proof security for the visiting delegation. The current attack shows the strong information network of militant groups in Pakistan. It is next to impossible for anyone to know the exact travel plan, route and directions of the high level entourage.

Moreover, the attack clearly shows the security challenges for foreign investors in Pakistan. It not only reflects the lack of preparedness by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police. It also reflects the poor security environment in the country for high level delegates and major foreign investors. Pakistan had opened Swat Airport in 2021 to introduce tourism in this region, also known as Switzerland of Pakistan. Yet, it may not be able to reflect a better image with such attacks.

Pakistan faced severe security crisis after the US attack on Afghanistan in its War on Terror since 2001. It has paid heavy price for years. Not long ago, the militants were able to gain control of major cities like Swat, Dara Adam Khel and part of former FATA. Pakistani forces were able to gain control after huge losses to lives of common man as well as to its exchequer. Pakistan needs to adopt a strong approach of engaging the provincial government, involving Afghanistan and other regional powers and increase the security apparatus in the troubled regions before it is too late.