Not (Yet) Safe: The Karachi Airport

The details remain sketchy and the perpetrators remain mysterious, but the terrorist attack has been rebutted and the intent is clear: ten terrorists attempted to take over the Karachi, Pakistan airport. All ten are now (supposedly) dead (interesting to note that hospitals remain on high alert in the area); however, the attack once again raises concerns about safety and security in Pakistan. Up to 13 others were killed, including security forces and airline staff, in an attack that took upwards of five hours to subdue.

(Jinnah International Airport, Karachi, Pakistan, Source: Wikipedia)

Jinnah International Airport in Karachi is Pakistan's largest and busiest airline hub for both passengers and cargo. Gunmen stormed past security, possibly by might, possibly by deception, possibly both, through the cargo section of the airport, which is housed in the old terminal complex.

The attack, though unsuccessful, brings to light the precarious security situation in Pakistan. How could an airport in a city of over 20 million and a country with strong military and security apparatuses come under such brazen attack by a detachment of ten? With airport security high on the list, reviews of cargo operations and security deficits in outdated terminals will undoubtedly become prioritized around the world.

At the same time, Pakistani military operations to flush out Taliban terrorists from Waziristan may intensify as part of a tit-for-tat game that has been ongoing for years. In fact, the military had warned of a possible attack in response to its own recent incursion. Moving forward, will Pakistan choose retribution, or will the nation's leaders opt to take a page out of Sri Lanka's book, and end the strife once and for all, regardless of the political, economic, and social costs? Neither option is particularly pleasant.