Pakistan, July 14 -- The terrorism that continues to plague Balochistan has three distinct dimensions: pre-terrorism, terrorism, and post-terrorism. No durable solution is possible unless all three are addressed simultaneously. This is a multidimensional challenge and demands an equally multidimensional response.

The immediate and unavoidable response to terrorism is decisive action by the security forces. There should be no ambiguity on this point. Any group that takes up arms against the state must be dealt with firmly and without delay. A nation cannot afford uncertainty when confronting those who wage war against it.

Yet force alone cannot resolve either the pre-terrorism or the post-terrorism phases.

Before terrorism takes root, a...