Sarmad Ishfaq
Abstract: The aim of the paper is to ascertain whether it is practical for Pakistan to apply the Sri Lankan COIN (Counterinsurgency) Model against its primary insurgent group – Tehreek e Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Initially, the paper highlights the characteristics adopted in the Sri Lankan Model that was used successfully against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) or Tamil Tigers. The paper then critically analyses whether Pakistan should reproduce the Sri Lankan Model by taking into consideration both countries’, and especially Pakistan’s, local, regional and global environment; kind of insurgency threat; and the politics and capability of the armed forces. After analysis it becomes evident that due to differences and intricacies in both countries’ scenarios, environments and insurgencies, it is simplistic to state that Pakistan should completely copy the Sri Lankan modus operandi. However, the paper does suggest that there are some caveats and takeaways that need to be appreciated and applied from the Sri Lankan experience. It is concluded that Pakistan continue its successful Zarb e Azb Operation, learn the relevant lessons from the Sri Lankan example, and create a “Pakistani Model” that takes the country’s own needs and environment into account.
About the Author: Sarmad Ishfaq has done his Masters in International Studies from the University of Wollongong Dubai, for which he has also received the “Top Graduate” award. After completing his Bachelors in Public Administration from the National University of Science and Technology and getting his dissertation published, Sarmad realized that he has a penchant for research and writing – and that he would want a career doing the same. Sarmads’ primary area of interest is security and terrorism, but he has been exploring other areas of research within the field of International Relations as well.
