Pakistan’s Struggle Against Rising Terrorism: A Critical Look at Military Efforts and Regional Challenges

Faisal Jadoon

The year 2024 proved to be one of the deadliest in recent history, as Pakistan faced a disturbing surge in terrorist attacks that led to the highest number of civilian and military casualties in over a decade. While the military continues its counterterrorism (CT) operations, the country’s security forces face numerous challenges, including militant groups such as the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other religiously inspired extremists, as well as separatist insurgencies in Balochistan. With such violent upheaval threatening Pakistan’s stability, it appears that the state is now committed to intensifying its efforts to eradicate these militant groups, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), one of the hardest-hit regions.

2024 was a year marked by relentless terrorist attacks. According to military data, the total number of fatalities in both civilian and military sectors reached an unprecedented high, signaling a new and troubling phase in Pakistan’s battle against terrorism. The bulk of this violence can be attributed to the TTP, a banned extremist organization responsible for orchestrating some of the most brutal attacks across the country. The TTP, along with other religiously motivated militant groups, targeted key areas, leaving devastating consequences in their wake.

The Baloch separatist movements also played a significant role in the rising violence. While these groups have been active for years, their attacks have escalated recently, adding another layer of complexity to Pakistan’s security landscape. However, it is the TTP that has emerged as the most prominent and formidable adversary. With its growing network, the group has been able to strike across Pakistan, sowing fear and instability in its wake.

By the start of 2025, Pakistan’s military response had intensified, with several operations launched across KP, a province particularly affected by militant activity. These operations aim to root out militants from their strongholds and neutralize their presence in the region. Yet, despite the military’s ongoing efforts, the country is still grappling with a mounting toll from these attacks.

The military has responded swiftly to the growing threat by conducting numerous counterterrorism operations, especially in North Waziristan, where two separate attacks on Thursday resulted in the martyrdom of four personnel. According to the military’s media wing, 13 terrorists were killed during these encounters. Earlier operations had already claimed the lives of approximately 30 militants, indicating that progress is being made. Counterterrorism operations continued through Friday, with security forces working to eliminate any remaining threats.

However, while these operations are vital, they must be sustained and strategically focused on the districts and areas where militants have a strong foothold. The military must pinpoint and target these areas, rooting out the threat where it is most concentrated. In particular, the regions in KP that experienced a high volume of the 444 terrorist attacks in 2024 must be prioritized for long-term security efforts. By focusing resources on these areas, security forces can better disrupt the militants’ operations and reclaim control over these territories.

While these actions are crucial, the loss of personnel is deeply tragic. As this publication has pointed out previously, civil and military personnel must be better equipped and trained to handle the increasingly sophisticated threats they face. The lack of adequate equipment and proper training has cost the lives of many brave soldiers, and improving these areas could go a long way in preventing future casualties.

One of the key factors contributing to the rise in terrorist activity in Pakistan is the weapons left behind by the US in Afghanistan. After the US’s hasty withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, vast amounts of military equipment were abandoned. This left a dangerous void that extremist groups, including the TTP, eagerly filled. Pakistani officials have repeatedly expressed concerns that these weapons have fallen into the wrong hands, fueling terrorism and violence not just in Afghanistan, but also spilling over into Pakistan.

The TTP is believed to be using these American-made weapons in its attacks on Pakistan, further complicating the security situation. Pakistani defense officials, including the defense minister, have publicly acknowledged the growing threat posed by these weapons and called for action to ensure that they do not fall into the hands of terrorists. This issue has become increasingly urgent, with US President Donald Trump himself commenting on the situation, stating that the US should seek the return of military equipment left behind in Afghanistan.

The Foreign Office has also weighed in, reiterating Pakistan’s calls for the international community to ensure that these weapons do not reach extremist groups. It is critical for both regional states and the global community to prioritize the retrieval of these armaments before they can cause further harm. The US administration, which acted hastily in leaving such high-tech weaponry behind, must now take responsibility for securing these assets to prevent them from being used against Pakistan or its allies.

To prevent the kind of bloodshed witnessed in 2024, Pakistan must act decisively on multiple fronts. First and foremost, the country needs to refine its counterterrorism strategy to effectively combat the evolving threats posed by militant groups like the TTP. These groups continue to exploit the country’s porous borders and weak spots in security, which means that intelligence-sharing, border security, and operational coordination must be improved.

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Pakistan must also maintain diplomatic pressure on the Afghan Taliban, urging them to take responsibility for preventing anti-Pakistan elements from operating within Afghan territory. The Taliban’s control over Afghanistan has made it a breeding ground for various extremist factions, and Pakistan’s security challenges are directly tied to the instability in its neighbor.

While kinetic operations are essential, Pakistan’s counterterrorism policy must be multifaceted, incorporating both military and diplomatic strategies. The continued engagement with the international community, along with regional cooperation, will be key in cutting off the militants’ supply lines and disrupting their activities. Pakistan must also consider social and economic factors, addressing the root causes of extremism in affected regions, and offering viable alternatives to those vulnerable to recruitment by terrorist organizations.

The war against terrorism is a long and arduous one, and Pakistan is far from reaching the end of this battle. While the military’s operations have made significant strides in dismantling terrorist networks, more needs to be done to secure Pakistan’s borders and ensure the safety of its citizens. Strengthening Pakistan’s counterterrorism policy, improving military readiness, addressing the issue of abandoned American weapons, and maintaining diplomatic pressure on Afghanistan will be crucial in shaping the country’s future security landscape.

Pakistan’s response to terrorism requires a coordinated effort that brings together the military, government, and international partners to address both the immediate and long-term challenges. Only through such a comprehensive approach can Pakistan hope to reduce the toll of terrorism and achieve lasting peace and stability.

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