Following the deadly suicide attack in Dera Ismail Khan that claimed the lives of over two dozen Pakistani security forces, Balochistan province’s Interim Information Minister Jan Achakzai has suggested offering drone bases to the United States as a counterterrorism measure against threats from Afghanistan. This proposal contradicts Pakistan's historical opposition to drone strikes, considering them "counter-productive." Achakzai, angered by the December 12 attack, proposed seven counter-terrorism measures, including reprisal attacks in Afghanistan, border closure, the return of Afghan refugees, and gathering the political opposition of the Afghan Taliban in Islamabad. Despite the critical timing coinciding with Pakistan Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir's meetings in the US, experts doubt official consideration due to Pakistan's public stance against drone attacks, deemed a violation of sovereignty. Pakistan has urged Afghanistan to investigate and take action against the attackers, emphasizing the need to combat terrorism collectively.
Key Points:
1. Following a deadly suicide attack in Dera Ismail Khan (DIK) district that killed over two dozen Pakistani security forces, Balochistan's Interim Information Minister Jan Achakzai has suggested offering drone bases to the United States to counter the terrorism threat from Afghanistan.
2. Achakzai's proposal contradicts historical opposition to drone strikes by various Pakistani governments, labeling them as "counter-productive."
3. The attack on December 12 claimed the lives of at least 24 soldiers when militants drove an explosive-laden truck into a security post in Khyber-Pukhtunkhwa’s Dera Ismail Khan district.
4. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed the attack, stating that terrorists rammed the vehicle after failed attempts to gain entry.
5. Achakzai expressed anger over the attack, stating that it crossed national security redlines and proposed seven counter-terrorism measures, including reprisal attacks in Afghanistan, border closure, repatriation of Afghan refugees, and a political opposition gathering in Islamabad against the Afghan Taliban.
6. He urged Islamabad to offer drone bases to the US targeting Al-Qaeda and other militant sanctuaries in Afghanistan, sending a clear message to the Afghan Taliban.
7. Achakzai's proposition coincides with Pakistan Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir's visit to the US, where he holds crucial meetings with officials in the Biden administration, the Pentagon, and the State Department.
8. Experts doubt the feasibility of Achakzai's proposal, citing Pakistan's public opposition to drone attacks as a violation of sovereignty.
9. From 2004 to 2018, the US conducted numerous drone attacks in Pakistan's tribal areas near the Afghanistan border, with arguments over civilian casualties being a longstanding concern.
10. Pakistan has summoned the interim Afghan government's charge d'affaires, issuing a strong demarche, demanding a thorough investigation into the attack, public condemnation, and the extradition of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) leaders. The Foreign Secretary reiterated the call for action during a weekly briefing, urging Afghanistan to prevent its soil from being used by terrorist organizations.
(With Agency Inputs)
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