A report by the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) highlights a disturbing 90% surge in terrorism incidents across Pakistan during the third quarter of 2024, compared to earlier this year. These attacks claimed 722 lives, including civilians, security personnel and militants, while injuring 615 others. Despite past military operations like Zarb-e-Azb curbing terrorism, the resurgence marks a troubling reversal.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan accounted for 97% of these fatalities. Balochistan experienced a surge in attacks targeting laborers, with 38 workers, mostly from Punjab, killed this year. KP saw escalating violence, primarily targeting security forces. A November suicide bombing at Quetta Railway Station alone caused 26 deaths and 60 injuries.
CRSS data shows 2024 fatalities have already surpassed 2023 figures, with Balochistan witnessing a 159% increase in violent incidents and KP recording a 77% rise. Abdullah Khan, Managing Director of the Pakistan Institute of Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), attributes the trend to inconsistent implementation of the National Action Plan (NAP), allowing militant networks like Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) to regroup. The Afghan Taliban’s rise in 2021 raised hopes of action against the TTP. However, shared ideological ties and operational histories have seen the Afghan Taliban allegedly supporting the TTP. Afghanistan’s intelligence agency, General Directorate of Intelligence (GDI), has also been accused of enabling anti-Pakistan activities.
Residents in KP and Balochistan express growing frustration over repeated military operations, fearing displacement and disruption. Protests erupted after the announcement of Operation Azm-e-Istehkam, with locals wary of inadequate rehabilitation efforts from past offensives. Despite government assurances of minimizing civilian impact, mistrust remains high. Acknowledging the crisis, the federal government reports 3,758 terrorism-related deaths in the past two years. KP has allocated PKR 140 billion to enhance police capabilities and announced bounties worth PKR 3.31 billion for apprehending terrorists. Over 13,000 intelligence-based operations have been conducted in KP and Balochistan this year.
The failure to fully implement the NAP remains a critical issue. Promised development projects and employment opportunities in the newly merged tribal districts—key to addressing militancy—have largely stalled, fostering resentment and enabling extremist narratives. Additionally, poor coordination between federal and provincial governments has weakened counter-terrorism efforts.
To combat terrorism effectively, Pakistan must adopt a multi-faceted strategy. Full implementation of the NAP, stronger border controls, and socioeconomic upliftment of marginalized regions are essential. Building public trust through transparent operations and addressing grievances via dialogue and development, rather than force, is also crucial. The road to peace is challenging, but a united approach involving the government, security forces and the public can restore stability and security across Pakistan.
—The writer is contributing columnist.
