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Pakistan has sacrificed greatly in war against terror

I refer to the article “Why students’ deaths might not change Islamabad’s terror policy” (Dec 18), which blames Pakistani intelligence agencies for the creation of the Taliban. This is baseless and a distortion of historical facts.

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Mubashar Tauqir Shah, Press Counsellor, Pakistan High Commission

I refer to the article “Why students’ deaths might not change Islamabad’s terror policy” (Dec 18), which blames Pakistani intelligence agencies for the creation of the Taliban. This is baseless and a distortion of historical facts.

The Taliban’s rise was the result of the political situation in Afghanistan in the mid-1990s, for which Pakistan cannot be blamed.

I also refer to the report “Al Qaeda suspected of training India terrorists” (Nov 7), which contained unsubstantiated allegations that Indian Mujahideen members are training with Al Qaeda and other groups in Pakistan.

These astonishing statements may mislead those who are unaware of Pakistan’s sacrifices in the war on terrorism, not only as the front-line state in this war, but also in contributing to a large number of United Nations peacekeeping missions around the world.

Pakistan has lost more than 50,000 civilians, including 6,000 security personnel, in the fight against terrorism during the past decade. The country has lost US$103 billion (S$135 billion), the direct and indirect costs of terrorism incidents.

After successful military operations against terrorists in Swat Valley and South Waziristan Agency, the Pakistan Army has now launched Operation Zarb-e-Azb and Operation Khyber 1 in North Waziristan Agency and Khyber Agency, respectively.

These operations have been admired globally, as the Pakistan Army has broken the back of the militants and successfully eliminated terrorist hideouts.

The operations are directed against all militants; as a result, around 4,000 terrorists have been killed.

With every passing day, Pakistan’s sacrifices are multiplying.

The horrendous attacks by militants that killed 145 people, including 132 children, in the school in Peshawar speak volumes about how we have shown indomitable will to fight and eliminate terrorists.

I hope that TODAY readers will see the issue in proper perspective and acknowledge Pakistan’s resolve to eradicate terrorism.

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