Shahbaz Sharif must stop supporting ‘asset ‘ terror groups before it’s too late: Pak analyst

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan Punjab province’s Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif’s recent statement imploring the Taliban to exempt his region from violence has shocked many, but the bigger question is as to what prompted Shahbaz to make such an irresponsible statement.

Some analysts believe that the recent series of suicide attacks in Lahore has surprised Shahbaz to such an extent that he was unable to make out why extremist groups such as the Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, which is regarded as a strategic asset by the authorities, has broken its promise to not to create trouble in the region.

In her article in The Dawn, noted strategist and political analyst, Ayesha Siddiqa, pointed out that scores of Pakistani leaders have made deals with banned terror outfits to win seats in Parliament.

Siddiqa said that it is due to this nefarious nexus between militants and politicians that the ever expanding wave of ‘radicalism’ and ‘jihadism’ in Pakistan has not been challenged substantially.

She, however, warned that politicians must realise the dangers involved in joining hands with outlawed organisations only for fulfilling their petty objectives.

” The problem with strategic assets, as Shahbaz Sharif may realise, is that they often bite the hand that feeds them since they can also feel insecure,” Siddiqa said.

Shahbaz Sharif is keeping silent on the jihadi ‘assets’, and according to reliable sources there was an understanding that he would take care of these elements, especially while the military was busy fighting the Taliban and other militant organisations in the lawless tribal regions, she added.

” The ‘boys’ who feel they are not getting the right signals are likely to jump the gun and turn into splinters of the splinters. It is up to the Punjab chief minister to face this reality before it’s too late,” Siddiqa said. (ANI)