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ccording to media reports, after the killing of 24 Pakistani soldiers by a NATO air attack and the tough stance of Pakistan’s military and civil government, the rate of suicide attacks and terrorist activities have dramatically fallen in the country.

Despite massive US pressure, NATO supplies are still not moving inside the country and for a long time now, no drone attacks have been reported in Pakistani tribal areas, which have been the main cause of suicide bombings and revenge attacks in the country.

Now the government is also reviewing all secret agreements regarding the authorization of drone attacks, which was permitted by former dictator-president Pervez Musharaff. The recent change of events and the drop in suicide and other terrorist activities prove that instead of only using military power, a change in strategy can bring peace inside the country.

With army operations, continuous drone attacks and escalating civilian casualties, militant groups found more sympathy and new recruits to carry out their missions, and the country’s economy suffered badly.

The tough stance of the present government can bring further improvements if it sincerely reviews all the secret agreements drawn up during the Musharraf era and minimizes its role in the US-led “War on Terror”.

Khawaja Umer Farooq
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia