Pakistan is facing the same situation as Afghanistan has faced for the last half-century.
Author: Ahmad Saeedi, Afghanistan and Regional Affairs Analyst (Switzerland), especially for "Sangar"
For more than four decades, Pakistan has armed, financed, and trained the sworn enemies of the Afghan people and made their lives a living hell. Now these terrorists, professional killers, and criminals of history are moving to Pakistan itself. In my opinion, the events that will be imposed on Pakistan from now on will have profound consequences. I want to share with you what I believe in myself.
The results of the wave of armed attacks in Pakistan can have wide-ranging and varied consequences in the human, social, economic, and political dimensions. The first consequence of these attacks is the killing and injury of numerous civilians and military personnel.
In addition, many people may be forced to flee their homes, and the refugee and internal displacement crisis will intensify. Rising ethnic, religious, or regional tensions could divide Pakistani society more heterogeneous. Armed attacks could also destroy critical infrastructure such as roads, bridges, hospitals, and schools.
War-induced instability could reduce investment and undermine economic production. Conflicts could also halt economic activity in war-torn areas and lead to widespread unemployment.
Heavy fighting and political instability could reduce trust in the government and weaken control over the country. Extremist groups could exploit instability to their advantage and increase their influence. In addition, other countries could enter the conflict to support different factions and protect their interests.
A war in Pakistan could spread instability to neighboring countries and cause crises in those countries.
A wave of refugees could affect other countries as well. A war in Pakistan could attract global players and intensify geopolitical competition. These conflicts can cause trauma and long-term psychological damage to people, especially children. Historical and cultural sites can be destroyed by military action.
Finally, a wave of armed attacks in Pakistan will have profound consequences, and the country will need a massive crisis management and reconstruction effort.
In short, Pakistan is expecting the same dark day that Afghanistan faced for the last half-century, including with Pakistan's direct involvement.
