THE Pakistan Defence Forces have been continuously battling foreign-sponsored terrorism since 2002, which has become an existential threat to the country’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity. Pakistan has paid a heavy price, losing one hundred thousand precious human lives and suffering $150 billion in financial losses, besides severe social and psychological pressure. Despite immense sacrifices and hundreds of counter-terrorism operations, terrorism persists in KP and Balochistan. The years 2025 and 2026 proved particularly bloody, with daily terrorist attacks and casualties. The fundamental question remains: why could terrorism not be eliminated despite counter-terrorism operations continuing for so many years?
A point of concern is the allegation against our security forces and military leadership that this was not Pakistan’s war, but rather dictation taken from Washington and that a correct strategy could not be formulated to move beyond it. Certain circles hold their own governments responsible for the deterioration of relations with Afghanistan. On one hand, they object that Pakistan did not take sufficient steps for friendship with Kabul, while on the other, they are seen supporting ground operations alongside limited airstrikes.
Pakistan has been a direct victim of the effects of instability in Afghanistan for nearly four decades. After the Taliban government came to power in 2021, Pakistan largely maintained a policy of restraint and reconciliation with Afghanistan, even though terrorism originating from Afghan soil continued to increase. During this time, Pakistan faced two fronts, from both the East and the West. Therefore, ensuring that Afghan soil is not used against any neighbouring country is a requirement for the peace of not just Pakistan, but the entire region.
With the passage of time, the nature of terrorism has also changed. Previously, large organized groups and clear hideouts were the primary threats; now, small cells, sleeper networks, local facilitators, modern communication methods and cross-border links make this threat more complex. The increase in TTP activities and the presence of safe havens for terrorists in Afghanistan have heightened the risks for Pakistan. The hostile attitude of the interim Taliban government in Afghanistan dealt a severe blow to the peace process. Due to the lack of implementation of the Doha Agreement, periodic negotiations proved inconclusive because of the Taliban’s stubbornness. Consequently, Pakistan now needs to base its Afghan policy on permanent national interest, clear goals and measurable results instead of emotions.
Furthermore, if the issue of Balochistan is examined, it is becoming increasingly complex due to terrorism combined with challenges of good governance. Here, geography, long distances, low population density, vast borders, tribal influences, economic deprivations and political issues are all interconnected. The activities of various terrorist organizations, including the BLA, have made the situation grave. Effective diplomatic and legal action against the external financial and other support for these terrorist groups is essential. However, another dimension cannot be overlooked. For permanent peace in Balochistan, security operations must be accompanied by ensuring development, employment, education, health, effective local government, political inclusion and the rule of law.
A major reason for the failure to eliminate terrorism is the lack of implementation of the National Action Plan. In 2015, the National Action Plan was introduced as a comprehensive national framework against terrorism and extremism. It includes clauses for action against hate speech, terrorist financing, extremist networks and facilitators, alongside direct counter-terrorism measures. If a terrorist is defeated on the battlefield but their financial network remains intact, facilitators remain free, propaganda continues and new recruitment takes place, the problem of terrorism will not end. Regrettably, our governments have failed to implement all the clauses of this plan.
While political differences are a reality, it is imperative to keep critical issues like terrorism insulated from political division to safeguard national security. Disagreement between the government and the opposition is a part of democracy. Raising questions about the performance of state institutions is also a democratic right, but this requires evidence, logic and constructive alternative policies.
On the other hand, state institutions must also prioritize the law, transparency and professional standards in their operations. Public trust is the greatest strength of any counter-terrorism campaign. In the war against terrorism, the most critical step is to effectively present the existing evidence of financial, logistical or intelligence support provided by external elements to the TTP, BLA and other groups before the international community. Instead of being a country that merely reacts within the global narrative, Pakistan must adopt the role of a nation that proactively presents its case through evidence and diplomacy.
Pakistan hosted millions of Afghan citizens for decades. This was both a major economic burden and a significant humanitarian responsibility. However, in the current security environment, matters of illegal movement, fake documents and the facilitation of terrorist networks cannot be overlooked. Terrorist organizations have begun to take advantage of modern technology. Drones, encrypted communications, social media, online propaganda and modern financial methods have reshaped the threat of terrorism.
As I have emphasized in my previous columns, Pakistan needs a long-term policy against terrorism that does not change with shifts in government, with full implementation of the National Action Plan, strengthened NACTA and counter-terrorism institutions, modernized police, effective border management, dismantling of terrorist financial networks and genuine coordination between the Federation and provinces. Socio-economic development in KP and Balochistan must also be integrated into security policy. Pakistan’s security forces have made unparalleled sacrifices; now, the remaining pillars of the state must demonstrate the same seriousness. This is not just a war against terrorism, but a war for the writ of the state, national security, sovereignty, political stability and the future of Pakistan.
—The writer is Chairman, Tehrik Jawanan Pakistan.
