The province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has been worst affected by terrorism. This year alone witnessed a staggering 1,050 incidents in KPK, with seven areas near the Pak-Afghan border targeted. The statis-tics, released by Department of Interior and Tribal Affairs Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, underscore urgent need to reflect on the threat that terrorists continue to pose and pursue comprehensive strategies to curb this menace.
Amidst disconcerting numbers, it is crucial to acknowledge unwavering sacrifices made by our security forces in the war against terrorism. The 470 security personnel and civilians martyred this year in the KPK exemplify the dedication and valour exhibited on front lines. Peshawar, Khyber, Bajaur, Tank, North Waziristan and South Waziristan have borne the brunt of this violence, with highest number of incidents recorded in North Waziristan. We have no doubt that our security forces have the capacity and determination to root out terrorism and restore lasting peace and the nation will always remember their sacrifices. As the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) gains functionality, it becomes paramount to elevate level of intelligence sharing among different agencies. Proactive intelligence measures are essential to pre-empting terror attacks and dismantling the intricate networks that carry out these acts of violence.
A critical aspect to address is existence of terrorist hideouts beyond our borders, particularly inside Afghanistan. Establishing robust communication channels with Afghan authorities is pivotal in jointly combating this transnational threat. Collaboration between Pakistan and Afghanistan is not only in the best interest of both nations but also crucial for regional stability, opening avenues for economic opportunities and growth. Hence it is important for Afghan authorities to fulfill their responsibilities and do not allow terrorist outfits operate from their soil. In navigating complex landscape of terrorism, it is essential for us to remain vigilant, proactive and engaged in diplomatic efforts to foster cooperation against this shared threat. Only through collective action and a commitment to intelligence-sharing can we hope to dismantle the roots of terrorism, securing a future marked by enduring peace and prosperity for our nation and broader region.
