And now DI Khan

Another suicide attack on the border of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan is a grim reminder of a thriving terror nexus in the two terrorism-stricken province, in particular. More than 14 civilians were killed and 36 injured as an explosives-laden vehicle was rammed into Aman Mela police checkpost in Dera Ismail Khan's Darazinda tehsil. The modus operandi of terrorism this time was full of vengeance as rescue personnel were also targeted subsequently. Two volunteers of 1122 lost their lives on duty as their ambulance was ambushed. The incident was supplemented with heavy aerial firing in an attempt to terrorise the locals.

The Dera attack came just days after the bleeding at Kohat that led to at least 31 precious lives lost, indicating our loosening grip on the security of these insurgency-infected provinces. Immediate measures require heightening vigilance and beefing up intelligence gathering. Moving forward, achieving better coordination among law enforcement agencies - particularly by empowering the police - is vital to demonstrate our resolve against this callous enemy. Furthermore, aligning kinetic military operations with cohesive political responses is indispensable if we are to remain on the same page against this existential threat.

Analysing the changing pattern of these attacks is equally critical. The terror nexus is currently focusing on three distinct targets: security personnel, police and civilians. By attacking these groups, disgruntled elements intend to bleed Pakistan while trying to project a narrative of state failure. This systematic pattern proves the violence is not driven by local grievances, but is rather a foreign plot to weaken the country. It's no secret that there are troublesome districts that harbour active sleeper cells linked with local abettors and opportunists. This warrants a foolproof domestic counter-terrorism strategy combined with tactful diplomacy to expose their international patrons.