Winter risks bringing Afghan infiltration

Agencies tighten security as cross-border terror threats rise

PESHAWAR:

With the onset of winter, Pakistani security agencies have warned of a growing threat of terrorists crossing over from Afghanistan into Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P). Officials say terrorist groups have altered their strategy, attempting to infiltrate through the border regions of Chitral, Kurram, Bajaur, and Khyber. However, timely response by security forces successfully foiled these attempts and prevented the formation of new terror networks.

According to police sources, a fresh security plan has been drawn up following recent cross-border attacks. Intelligence-based operations are underway to identify and investigate facilitators allegedly operating under the guise of Afghan refugees. Security arrangements in Peshawar, Khyber, Mohmand, and Bajaur have also been reassessed.

Official data reveals that 382 attacks on police were reported in 2025, compared to 232 in 2024. While 105 terror strikes were thwarted last year, 244 have been foiled so far in 2025.

Inspector General of K-P Police Zulfiqar Hameed told The Express that major terrorist attacks were prevented in Dera Ismail Khan, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Hangu, Peshawar, and Malakand. "We dismantled several networks through coordinated teamwork with national security institutions," he said, adding that police vigilance during the first half of this year resulted in significant operational successes.

Sources further disclosed that a probe has been launched into Afghan facilitators allegedly sheltering terrorists in various districts. Following recent attacks, authorities have also decided to close certain Afghan refugee camps.