Escalating terrorism
In recent months, Pakistan has witnessed a distressing surge in terrorist activities, posing a grave threat to its security and stability. The data from the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) reveals a disconcerting 34% increase in anti-state violence within the past month alone. The numbers paint a grim picture — 63 militant attacks in November resulting in 83 fatalities, including 37 security forces personnel and 33 civilians. The toll on civilians is particularly troubling, emphasising the impact of these attacks on innocent lives.
The recent upswing in terrorism in Pakistan can be attributed to a confluence of factors, with the deteriorating relationship with the Kabul government emerging as a prominent catalyst. The mutual mistrust between Pakistan and Afghanistan hinders effective collaboration in counterterrorism efforts, limiting information sharing and joint operations against militant networks. The Afghan Taliban’s reluctance to take decisive action against TTP further exacerbates the issue. Kabul must realise that this malignant disease is a bilateral issue and Pakistan, bearing the brunt of it, is not unreasonable to put stern demands on the table. The Taliban must accept the home truths and comply, or bring viable alternatives to the table. Otherwise, Islamabad will have no other option but to resort to radical unilateral measures — such as by fortifying the porous border and returning Afghan refugees to effectively control and monitor the movement of unregistered individuals and curb potential treats.
The imperative for Pakistan to confront terrorism with unwavering determination is unequivocal. To quash terrorism with an iron hand implies dismantling the networks that perpetuate violence. Bolstering internal security measures, enhancing intelligence capabilities and fortifying border controls to curb the cross-border movement of militants are radical but prudent and necessary measures to rid the country of the scourge of terrorism that has long plagued its stability and security.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 5th, 2023.
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