Naveed Ali Shah

In recent days, Pakistan has witnessed an alarming surge in terrorist attacks that have left many security personnel martyred and underlined the pressing need for a unified national response to combat terrorism. A suicide blast in Bannu on Tuesday claimed the lives of 12 security personnel, while also killing six terrorists who had attempted to launch an assault on a joint check post. This devastating attack is part of a broader escalation of violence, including another deadly gun battle in the Tirah Valley over the weekend, which reportedly resulted in at least eight security personnel being martyred, with nine terrorists also killed, though this has not been officially confirmed. The increase in attacks, marked by such tragic losses, comes on the heels of an important meeting of the National Action Plan (NAP) apex committee, a body formed to address the growing threat of terrorism across Pakistan.

The timing of these attacks is particularly significant, as the National Action Plan’s apex committee recently convened to deliberate on escalating terrorism in the country. The meeting, which included the Prime Minister, provincial chief ministers, the Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir, and other senior officials, authorized a military operation in Balochistan to target terrorist groups that are destabilizing the region. These groups are not only attacking innocent civilians but also foreign nationals, seeking to undermine Pakistan’s economic progress by creating an atmosphere of insecurity. This insecurity, the government believes, is being orchestrated by hostile external powers seeking to further their agendas by destabilizing the region. During the meeting, there was a strong emphasis on the importance of a “unified political voice” and the need for a cohesive national narrative to effectively combat terrorism. Political unity across party lines was stressed as critical to reinvigorating the national counterterrorism campaign under the strategic framework of Vision Azm-e-Istehkam.

However, the reality of Pakistan’s political landscape today is far from this ideal of unity. Instead of coming together to address the national security threat posed by terrorism, political parties are embroiled in internal conflict. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party’s planned protest in Islamabad on November 24 is a glaring example of this. PTI, led by the embattled former Prime Minister Imran Khan, has framed the protest as a “final call” to restore democracy and challenge the current government’s legitimacy. In response, the government has made it clear that it will not allow PTI to disrupt the capital. This political standoff, while important in its own right, diverts attention from the far more pressing issue of terrorism. As Pakistan faces increasing attacks from terrorist groups, including the latest wave of suicide bombings and gun battles, the focus should shift from political maneuvering to national security.

The rising frequency of terrorist attacks is concerning. Just earlier this month, a suicide bombing at Quetta’s railway station killed at least 27 people, including 16 security personnel, and left 40 others injured. This attack was one of several recent incidents that illustrate the growing boldness and frequency of terrorist operations across Pakistan. According to reports from Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) and the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS), the third quarter of 2024 alone saw a 90 percent increase in fatalities related to terrorist violence, with the vast majority of casualties occurring in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. These two provinces, which have long been the epicenters of terrorist activity, accounted for nearly 97 percent of the fatalities, marking the highest percentage in a decade. This stark rise in violence highlights the urgency of the situation, yet it is unfortunate that, rather than focusing solely on combating terrorism, the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has shifted attention to less pressing issues, often adding a political tone to the discussion. This reflects a broader trend of prioritizing political struggles over national security.

The apex committee’s meeting also agreed on the revitalization of the National Counter-Terrorism Authority (Nacta) and the establishment of National and Provincial Intelligence Fusion and Threat Assessment Centers. These centers are essential for strengthening the country’s intelligence capabilities and improving coordination between various security agencies at both the federal and provincial levels. The establishment of such centers would be a crucial step toward more effectively countering terrorism. However, for these efforts to succeed, the cooperation between the federal and provincial governments must be robust and free of political tensions. Unfortunately, the ongoing political discord between the provincial and federal governments raises questions about the feasibility of such cooperation. How can the federal and provincial governments work together effectively when they are locked in constant conflict, undermining each other’s efforts?

The continued terrorist attacks, with the rising number of martyred security personnel, should serve as a wake-up call for all political leaders, government officials, and security agencies. The situation is dire, and the time for political infighting is long past. It is essential that all political parties set aside their differences and come together to tackle the national security threat. The fight against terrorism is an uphill battle, but it is not an insurmountable one. Pakistan has faced such challenges in the past and has successfully overcome them through coordinated efforts, political consensus, and effective strategy. The government must work on building a meaningful political consensus that prioritizes national security over partisan interests.

In addition to a unified political front, the government must also develop a clear and actionable strategy to deal with terrorism. This strategy should involve not only military and intelligence operations but also a focus on addressing the root causes of extremism and terrorism. This includes improving socioeconomic conditions in the most affected regions, ensuring justice and equality, and engaging communities to prevent radicalization. The focus should be on a multi-faceted approach that combines security measures with efforts to foster social cohesion and economic development.

Ultimately, the fight against terrorism is not just a military challenge but a national one. It requires the collective will and determination of the entire country, including political leaders, the military, law enforcement agencies, and ordinary citizens. In this moment of crisis, Pakistan needs strong leadership that can rally the nation around a common cause: the eradication of terrorism. Only with unity and a clear strategy can Pakistan hope to overcome the threat of terrorism and ensure a safer, more prosperous future for all its citizens. The priority must shift away from political bickering and towards the urgent need for national unity and counterterrorism efforts that are cohesive, comprehensive, and effective.