THE unending terrorism in the country, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, has serious repercussions for internal security, economic prosperity and diplomatic relations with the neighbouring states. Islamabad has employed both kinetic and non-kinetic counterterrorism measures to restore the writ of the state and combat the menace of militancy. Despite the fearless operations of law enforcement agencies and various political and diplomatic initiatives, the violent activities of the militant organizations have increased in 2024.
Recently, the Interior Ministry shared shocking information about the terrorist group’s attacks in the country with the National Assembly. The Ministry reported that 1,566 terrorism incidents occurred in the 10 months, with 948 in KP, 532 in Balochistan, 24 in Sindh, 10 in Punjab, and two in the Islamabad Capital Territory, causing 924 martyrdoms and 2,121 injured. Of these martyrs and injured were 573 and 1,353, respectively, law enforcement agency personnel. The Ministry also claimed that law enforcement agencies “operations resulted in the elimination of 341 terrorists, underscoring the effectiveness of proactive measures in dismantling terrorist networks and neutralizing threats to national security.” On December 27, 2004, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General (DG) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry opined that “During these successful operations, 925 terrorists, including Khawarij, were sent to hell while numerous were arrested.”
The terrorist groups’ sanctuaries in Afghanistan are one of the cardinal obstacles that obstruct Pakistan’s counterterrorism strategy. The banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP)—which the state refers to as Fitna al Khawarij—central leadership is based in Afghanistan and is using Afghan soil to launch terrorist attacks in Pakistan. The TTP enjoys freedom of movement in the border areas between Afghanistan and Pakistan due to the Afghan Taliban government’s unwillingness to neutralize TTP and other terrorist groups that are operating from Afghan soil. On 27 December 2024, ISPR-DG said, “All evidence related to terrorism can be traced back to the safe havens enjoyed by terrorists in Afghanistan.” Islamabad needs sincere cooperation from the Taliban government to address terrorism in the KP and insurgency in Balochistan. Instead of assisting Pakistan, the Taliban government is supporting TTP and also, with its support, has exploited sectarian and tribal tensions to establish their foothold, in the border areas, especially in Lower Kurram.
The TTP and Baloch militant groups, especially the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), have targeted Chinese officials and workers in the country. On December 10, 2024, the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) pointed out that 20 Chinese citizens have been killed and 34 injured in 14 terrorist attacks in the country since 2021. The primary objective of these terrorist groups and India’s financial and material assistance to them is to spoil Pakistan and China’s strategic economic partnership and impede the progress of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor projects, which are imperative for Pakistan’s economic progress and sustainability.
The increasing attacks on Chinese nationals working in Pakistan have not only shaken their confidence in Islamabad’s repeated assurance of providing foolproof security but also raised serious concerns about the country’s security situation. This pessimistic security scenario could potentially discourage China’s investment in the country and raise alarms for other foreign investors. In response, Islamabad has initiated formal negotiations with Beijing for a joint security management system to restore Chinese confidence in the country’s security arrangements.
Since the withdrawal of US-led foreign troops, Islamabad has frequently requested the Taliban government to rein in terrorist groups based on Afghan soil. It’s an open secret that TTP conducts its operations in Pakistan from Afghanistan. For instance, on December 21, 2024, TTP terrorists attacked a post in South Waziristan, causing the martyrdom of at least 16 troops. Ironically, instead of realizing their responsibility to quash the TTP sanctuaries and ensure that Afghanistan soil shall not be exploited by anti-Pakistan forces, the Taliban leaders ask Pakistan to reconcile with TTP and accept its unconstitutional and illegal demands. Notably, the continuous financial and material support of the Indian intelligence agency Research and Analysis Wing (RAW)to these terrorist groups in Afghanistan has transformed them into a very lethal, potent militant force. One understands India’s devastating hybrid warfare against Pakistan, but the Taliban government’s support of terrorist groups is an unnerving reality. Islamabad has chalked out a two-pronged strategy: diplomatic engagement and targeted strikes on TTP hideouts in Afghanistan. On December 24, 2024, Pakistan’s special representative, Ambassador Mohammad Sadiq, met Afghan officials, including interim Foreign Minister Amir Khan Mutaqqi and Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani, to discuss strengthening bilateral ties and regional peace. However, the Taliban government’s reluctance to pursue peace has deepened mistrust between Islamabad and Kabul. Prime Minister Shehbaz linked improved relations to Afghanistan’s action against TTP, emphasizing that TTP operations from Afghan soil are unacceptable. On December 24-25, Pakistan launched airstrikes on four TTP camps in Paktika province, killing at least 20 militants. The camps were reportedly used by senior TTP leaders, including Sher Zaman, Commander Abu Hamza, and Umar Media. While aerial strikes on foreign soil are controversial, Pakistan’s response was driven by Afghanistan’s ongoing support for TTP, both covertly and overtly, forcing Pakistan to take such extreme measures.
The preceding discussion underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive overhaul of Pakistan’s counterterrorism strategy and Afghanistan policy. While kinetic operations are crucial, they alone cannot ensure sustainable security and prosperity. What is required is an innovative, inclusive political, economic, and diplomatic approach that can effectively address the evolving challenges of terrorism.
—The writer is Professor at School of Politics and IR, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad.
