Pakistan's terror problem is increasing at a terrifying level. Whether the TTP or the BLA, we seem to be surrounded by bad-faith actors trying to create chaos. This is why Tuesday's in-camera session of the Parliamentary Committee on National Security was a much-needed attempt to forge a collective response to the growing threat, particularly in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The meeting, attended by the country’s civil and military leadership, looked at the necessity of confronting terrorism with an iron hand. Ideally, this should have been an all-of-stakeholder approach but true to form key opposition figures, particularly from the PTI, remained absent -- exposing the deep political fissures that continue to hinder a united front against this existential threat. While the PTI cited concerns over being sidelined in security decision-making, their refusal to participate in a crucial discussion on national security inevitably raises questions about their commitment to actually addressing what is now an existential crisis for Pakistan. The Global Terrorism Index 2025 paints a grim picture for Pakistan. With a staggering 45 per cent increase in terrorism-related deaths and a record-breaking 1,099 attacks in 2024 alone, the urgency of the situation cannot be overstated. Yet, despite this growing crisis, the PTI’s decision to boycott the national security session -- citing political grievances -- was a disheartening display of misplaced priorities.
Political polarisation has long plagued Pakistan, but when it comes to national security, no party or leader should prioritise personal agendas over the collective good. Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif set a precedent in 2014 by uniting the nation against terrorism in the aftermath of the APS attack, leading to the formulation of the National Action Plan (NAP). This policy, rooted in political consensus and military strategy, successfully curbed terrorist activities for several years. However, the resurgence of terrorism in recent years can be traced back to the ill-advised policy of negotiating with and resettling TTP militants during the PTI’s tenure -- a decision that has had disastrous consequences. The military leadership, particularly COAS General Asim Munir, has rightly emphasised the need for better governance and a firm national security posture. The commitment to eradicating terrorism within three months, as conveyed by law-enforcement agencies during the meeting, is an ambitious but necessary goal. However, given the complexity of the security landscape and the history of prolonged counterterrorism operations, the feasibility of this timeline remains uncertain. Effective implementation will require not just military action but also long-term political and economic stability, something that remains elusive due to the opposition’s refusal to engage constructively.
While Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s call for unity and the immediate implementation of the NAP and the Azm-e-Istehkam strategy is a step in the right direction, previous failures to fully enforce NAP must be acknowledged. Key areas such as madrassa reforms, dismantling terror financing networks and cracking down on extremist propaganda require urgent attention. The reaffirmation of Pakistan’s commitment to eliminating terrorism in all its forms is crucial, but actions must now speak louder than words. A holistic approach that combines military might, intelligence coordination and stringent counterterrorism policies must be the way forward. The opposition must recognise that political rivalries should never come at the cost of national security and all of Pakistan’s leadership must rise above personal animosities and work towards a unified counterterrorism strategy. With the spectre of cross-border operations in Afghanistan looming, as hinted by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Pakistan’s security challenges extend beyond its borders. Diplomatic efforts must complement military actions to ensure that terrorist sanctuaries across the border are dismantled. The fact is that terrorism does not discriminate and this country cannot afford a fractured response to this growing crisis. The time for political gamesmanship is over.