Arshad Mahmood Awan
Pakistan is grappling with an escalating terrorism crisis, yet the government’s response remains insufficient in addressing the multifaceted nature of the threat. As the country continues to suffer from frequent terrorist attacks, both security personnel and civilians are bearing the brunt of the violence, with a stark rise in fatalities.
According to figures released by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) for February 2025, over 100 lives were lost due to terrorism, with civilian casualties (55) surpassing those of security forces (47). The violence primarily centers around Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan, regions consistently targeted by religiously motivated militants like the banned Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and separatist Baloch groups. These statistics paint a grim picture of the state of security in Pakistan, where terrorist attacks show no signs of abating.
The past few days have continued to witness disturbing acts of violence. In the latest attack on Tuesday, suicide bombers reportedly targeted Bannu Cantonment, while earlier in the week, a suicide bombing near Kalat, attributed to the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), claimed the life of a Frontier Corps (FC) member. Furthermore, clashes between security forces and militants in North Waziristan resulted in the deaths of four soldiers. The bombing at the Haqqania madrassa last week, suspected to be orchestrated by the Islamic State (IS), highlights that other terrorist factions also feel emboldened to launch attacks within Pakistan’s borders.
The violence is particularly concentrated in regions bordering Afghanistan, where cross-border terrorism has long been a significant challenge. While the Afghan Taliban is hostile to certain terrorist groups like IS, it maintains close ties with others, such as the TTP, complicating counterterrorism efforts. In light of this, Pakistan has little choice but to seek cooperation with Afghanistan on counterterrorism initiatives. However, relations between the two countries are at an all-time low, particularly after the closure of the Torkham border on February 21, following a dispute over construction in a contested area. Tensions escalated further when both sides exchanged heavy fire on Sunday.
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While it is undeniable that Pakistan has valid concerns about the Afghan Taliban’s failure to curb cross-border terrorism, the deteriorating relationship risks undermining counterterrorism cooperation. The presence of IS on both sides of the border should serve as an opportunity for Islamabad and Kabul to unite in confronting this shared threat. Both nations are up against a brutal and relentless enemy, and collaboration is essential for effective counterterrorism operations. However, for this partnership to work, Kabul must take a firm stance against all terrorist groups, including the TTP, which continues to operate with relative impunity under Taliban rule. It is not enough for Afghanistan to condemn IS while turning a blind eye to the activities of the TTP.
On Pakistan’s side, the government must go beyond mere rhetoric and develop a comprehensive and actionable counterterrorism strategy that yields tangible results. The country witnessed the tragic loss of over 1,600 lives in 2024 due to terrorist violence, and if the current trend persists, the situation will only worsen. The state’s failure to address this crisis effectively raises serious questions about its commitment to protecting its citizens.
In order to halt this bloodshed, Pakistan needs to prioritize the development and implementation of a robust counterterrorism plan that involves intelligence-sharing, improved security measures, and stronger regional cooperation, particularly with Afghanistan. It is imperative that the government adopts a more proactive approach in combating terrorism—one that goes beyond reactive measures and focuses on preventing future attacks.
Furthermore, counterterrorism efforts must include not only military and law enforcement interventions but also measures aimed at addressing the root causes of extremism. This involves tackling the socio-political factors that give rise to militancy, such as poverty, lack of education, and political instability, particularly in conflict-prone regions like KP and Balochistan. Additionally, Pakistan must invest in de-radicalization programs and work to curb the influence of extremist ideologies that fuel terrorist activities.
The worsening security situation, exemplified by the increasing number of fatalities in terrorist attacks, underscores the urgency of a strategic overhaul. The government cannot afford to wait any longer. Without a coordinated, multi-faceted approach that includes military action, effective law enforcement, and strong international cooperation, Pakistan will continue to bleed from the wounds of terrorism. If bilateral ties with Afghanistan deteriorate further, it will make it even more difficult to combat the shared threat posed by groups like the TTP and IS. The future of counterterrorism efforts in Pakistan hinges on a collective, resolute response that tackles both the immediate threats and the underlying drivers of extremism.
