Pakistan, Oct. 2 -- Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry was unusually blunt on Thursday, declaring the fight against terrorism "paramount" and warning that it could not be sacrificed at the altar of anyone's politics. He also made a point of separating politics from the army's institutional role, saying political questions belonged to political parties.

Pakistan can argue over methods, priorities and engagement with Kabul. It cannot afford drift in a fight that is again claiming policemen, soldiers and civilians with disturbing regularity.

Barely two weeks ago, terrorists rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into Kohat's Old Police Lines during Friday prayers before gunmen stormed a compoun...