Stopping terrorists

The agreement reached between Pakistan and Afghanistan on restoring biometric checks at border-crossing points is a good step. So too is the indication that the two countries, which have had a somewhat chequered relationship in the recent past are ready to step up levels of cooperation. Clearly, the security situation can improve only if the two neighbours, both ravaged by terrorist violence, are able to work together to thwart the menace.

This having been said, it must be noted that sophisticated controls at official crossing points, including the mechanisms for finger and iris scanning planned as a part of new, biometric systems, are unlikely to prevent cross-border movement by militants. These fighters use points in remote mountain areas to freely cross over between countries. They do not produce documents, register their names or go through complicated procedures set up by border officials. Indeed, the geo-political realities of the rugged, mountainous region on the Pak-Afghan border are factors in turning it into what the US has described as a haven for the Taliban and in making it extremely arduous to monitor the actions of the militants who operate here.

Thus, while the new accord reached after Pakistan's adviser on interior met senior officials, including President Hamid Karzai, in Kabul is encouraging in terms of the need to improve ties between the nations, it can have only a limited impact on improving security. The measures agreed to may help track down smugglers, fraudulent refugees or others who fall in similar categories, but they are unlikely to have an impact on curbing terror. This task will require further effort and further cooperation between Kabul and Islamabad, so that the problem which plagues both nations can be tackled sooner rather than later.

Posted on: 18-June-2008

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