An article and editorial published recently in leading Pakistani dailies expressed concern over an alarming rise in attacks across Pakistan, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces. In these two provinces in recent years, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), and other groups have been waging a sustained and continuous campaign of attacks against Pakistani security forces.
Dr. Gul.i.Ayesha Bhatti, a current affairs analyst and faculty member at the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) of Islamabad, wrote an article, expressing deep concern over Pakistan's growing security crisis.
"The withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan in 2021 and the rise of the Taliban in Kabul have dramatically altered the regional security landscape. For Pakistan, the return of the Taliban has created a complex and volatile dynamic," Dr. Bhatti wrote in her article titled "In the Shadow of Terrorism" and published by The Nation, an English-language daily.
The News, another leading daily, wrote an editorial titled "Terror-free Pakistan," which warned that the resurgence of terrorism in Pakistan poses a multi-dimensional threat to the nation's future originating from economic backwardness and political instability.
"Investors, both foreign and domestic, are understandably hesitant to commit to a country where the security situation is precarious. The most important are the Chinese, who are heavily invested in Pakistan through initiatives like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and it is important to ensure the safety of their personnel and projects," it noted.
Mahal Baloch, a female suicide bomber, attacked a Pakistani military camp at Bela in Baluchistan on August 26, 2024.
Following are excerpts from Dr. Bhatti's article:[1]
"August 2024 Was Particularly Alarming, Not Only Because Of The Number Of Attacks But Also Their Geographic Spread And Tactical Sophistication; The Violence Was Concentrated In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) And Balochistan"
"According to the latest Global Terrorism Index (GTI) report, Pakistan ranks fourth among countries most affected by terrorism, based on key indicators such as incidents, fatalities, injuries, and hostages. The GTI, produced by the Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP) [of Australia], assesses the global impact of terrorism across 163 countries, covering 99.7 percent of the world's population.
"Pakistan's ranking reflects its grave security challenges, as these indicators highlight the scale and intensity of violence. In August 2024 alone, the Pakistan Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS) reported 59 terrorist attacks, marking a sharp resurgence of militancy and raising serious concerns about the state's counter-terrorism efforts.
"This surge in violence can be attributed to a combination of external and internal factors. Geopolitical instability following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, Pakistan's internal political turmoil, and deep-rooted socio-economic grievances have created conditions conducive to the revival of militant activity. The country's position in the GTI underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive reassessment of counter-terrorism strategies, addressing not just the symptoms but the structural causes of terrorism.
"August 2024 was particularly alarming, not only because of the number of attacks but also their geographic spread and tactical sophistication. The violence was concentrated in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan, two regions long plagued by insurgency and militancy. However, what sets this new wave apart is the increased frequency and coordination of the attacks, indicating a resurgence of militant groups like Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
"PIPS data revealed that these groups have regained operational momentum, as seen in a series of bombings, targeted killings, and ambushes across the country. This suggests a revival of terror networks previously weakened by military operations."
"The TTP's Resurgence Is Not Solely Due To External Factors; Domestically, Pakistan's Political And Economic Instability Has Played A Crucial Role In Fostering The Revival Of Militant Activities"
"The resurgence of terrorism in Pakistan cannot be fully understood without considering broader geopolitical and domestic contexts. The withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan in 2021 and the rise of the Taliban in Kabul have dramatically altered the regional security landscape. For Pakistan, the return of the Taliban has created a complex and volatile dynamic. Initially, Islamabad hoped the new Afghan regime would help stabilize the region, but the reality has been far from reassuring.
"Instead, Pakistan's tribal regions and border areas have experienced a spillover of militant activity, with groups like the TTP finding sanctuary in Afghanistan and launching attacks on Pakistani soil. This cross-border militancy, exacerbated by the porous Afghan-Pakistani border, has become a central feature of the renewed wave of terrorism in Pakistan.
Under its emir Noor Wali Mehsud, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has unified most terror groups in the Pakistani tribal region
"However, the TTP's resurgence is not solely due to external factors. Domestically, Pakistan's political and economic instability has played a crucial role in fostering the revival of militant activities. The country's 2024 political landscape has been characterized by polarisation, frequent government changes, political protests, and an erosion of state authority. This instability weakens the government's ability to respond effectively to security threats, allowing extremist groups to exploit governance and security gaps. In this context, the resurgence of terrorism reflects the state's declining capacity to maintain law and order. Economic crises have further compounded these challenges...
"Another critical factor in this new wave of terrorism is the evolving nature of radicalization. In today's digital world, online platforms have become crucial in spreading extremist ideologies. Militant groups are no longer confined to physical recruitment efforts but have embraced the internet to propagate their messages, attract followers, and coordinate operations. Social media and encrypted communication apps have become powerful tools for terrorists, enabling them to reach a wider audience and bypass traditional security measures. This digital radicalization has made it more difficult for Pakistani authorities to track and prevent terrorist activities, as extremist networks operate in more covert and decentralised ways.
"This issue is not confined to Pakistan but has regional and international implications. Increasing instability in Pakistan poses a significant threat to the broader South Asian region. As a key player in the Afghan conflict and a nuclear-armed state, Pakistan's security situation has direct consequences for its neighbors and the global community. This makes it an urgent concern for international stakeholders, who must engage with Islamabad in a coordinated effort to address the root causes of militancy..."
Following are excerpts from the editorial in The News:[2]
"The Recent Meeting Of Top Military Leaders [i.e., The Corps Commanders Conference On September 3, 2024,] Underscores The Gravity Of The Situation, As They Assessed The Threats Posed By Inimical Forces, Subversive Proxies, And Facilitators Of Both External And Internal Adversaries"
"The resurgence of terrorism in Pakistan is an alarming development that threatens the nation's hard-earned progress and stability. The recent meeting of top military leaders [i.e., the Corps Commanders Conference on September 3, 2024,] underscores the gravity of the situation, as they assessed the threats posed by inimical forces, subversive proxies, and facilitators of both external and internal adversaries, particularly those active in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
"The army has reaffirmed its commitment to not allow the hard-won successes against terrorism to be reversed. This resolve is critical, as the rise in terrorist activities poses a significant challenge to the country's security, economy, and social fabric. Over the past three years, Pakistan has witnessed a disturbing increase in terrorist attacks. Official data and reports from research groups paint a stark picture of the systematic rise in violence.
Scores of Pakistani soldiers were killed in the August 26, 2024, attack by Mahal Baloch et al
"This resurgence is particularly troubling given that Pakistan had previously succeeded in eliminating much of the terrorist threat from its soil. The current situation not only places immense strain on the country's security forces, who are conducting intelligence-based operations nationwide, but also has far-reaching consequences for the economy and regional stability.
"Terrorism in Pakistan has multifaceted impacts. The constant threat of attacks forces security forces to remain on high alert, draining resources and morale. Investors, both foreign and domestic, are understandably hesitant to commit to a country where the security situation is precarious.
"The most important are the Chinese, who are heavily invested in Pakistan through initiatives like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and it is important to ensure the safety of their personnel and projects. The Afghan Taliban's reluctance to address the issue of safe havens for the TTP further complicates the situation."
"A Military Offensive To Eradicate Terrorists From Pakistan Is Undoubtedly Necessary; However, There Must Be A Political Consensus On This Issue, Ensuring That All Stakeholders Are Aligned"
"The rising attacks in Balochistan, including the use of suicide bombers by Baloch terrorists, signal a dangerous escalation that cannot be ignored. Pakistan's already struggling economy is another casualty of this resurgence. The government, under the constraints of an IMF program, is enforcing stringent economic measures to stabilize the economy. But any such efforts are undermined by the ongoing threat of terrorism, which obviously erodes investor confidence.
"The economic and societal turbulence caused by terrorism is not a new challenge for Pakistan and the nation has paid a steep price in the form of thousands of lives lost and years of economic stagnation. The battle to regain peace was arduous, which is why the current resurgence of terrorism demands a resolute and coordinated response.
Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), a secular militant group fighting for independence of Baluchistan from Pakistan, has begun using female suicide bombers.
"A military offensive to eradicate terrorists from Pakistan is undoubtedly necessary. However, there must be a political consensus on this issue, ensuring that all stakeholders are aligned in their commitment to rooting out terrorism. This requires acknowledging and remedying past mistakes.
"In addition to domestic efforts, Pakistan also needs the support of regional and international actors to effectively combat the terror it faces. The recent condemnation of terrorist attacks in Balochistan by the U.S. and the reaffirmation of a shared interest in combating threats to regional security is an encouraging sign.
"The global community, particularly Pakistan's allies, must recognize the significance of this battle. The stakes are high, and Pakistan just cannot afford to lose the ground it has gained over the years. For this, all of the country's stakeholders must be on the otherwise-elusive 'one page': a terror-free Pakistan should be our focus at the moment."
