The terror challenge

Pakistan’s war against terrorism remains an unrelenting struggle, with extremist violence continuing to claim lives and spread fear across the country. The recent suicide blast at the Jamia Darul Uloom Haqqania madrassa in Nowshera, which killed cleric Maulana Hamidul Haq, came as an unwelcome reminder of the persistent threat posed by militant elements. Just last week, another attack targeted a mosque in South Waziristan during Friday prayers, injuring Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) district chief Abdullah Nadeem and three others. These attacks are not isolated incidents but part of a larger, ongoing pattern of violence. Within this context, especially, JUI-F Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s condemnation earlier this month of the Haqqania madrassa attack was a significant and necessary step. The Maulana categorically stated that attacking scholars is not ‘jihad’ -- a term that extremist elements often misuse to justify their actions. Militant groups not only exploit religious narratives to justify their violence but also manipulate people’s religious sentiments to recruit new members. It is imperative that all stakeholders -- religious scholars, political leaders and civil society -- firmly reject such interpretations and work together to counter extremist propaganda.

Recognising the evolving nature of terrorism, last week PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari called for a second phase of the National Action Plan (NAP). While the original NAP played a crucial role in weakening terrorist networks, it is clear that militancy has adapted and persisted. A renewed strategy, incorporating lessons learned from past counterterrorism efforts, is necessary to address the ongoing threats. This includes ensuring that extremist ideologies are not given space to thrive in religious institutions, online platforms, or within political circles. Unfortunately, Pakistan’s deep political divisions often prevent a united front against terrorism. Instead of condemning such attacks unequivocally, many use them as an opportunity to attack the government. This political opportunism weakens national resilience against extremism and emboldens militant groups. This is why Maulana Fazlur Rehman's clear stance is a welcome sign. However, other religious scholars must also step forward to condemn terrorism in unequivocal terms. The state, too, must ensure that no one -- cleric or politician -- is allowed to incite violence or brainwash young individuals into taking up arms.

Beyond religious extremism, Pakistan is also facing new forms of militant violence, the recent hijacking of the Jaffar Express showing how terrorist threats are not limited to one ideology or group. While the perpetrators of this incident may not have invoked religious justifications, the act itself reflects the same lawlessness and disregard for human life that terrorism breeds. Political and military leaders must recognise that extremism in any form is a threat to national stability. Pakistan cannot afford to let each generation inherit a nation where bomb blasts, targeted killings and insurgencies are the norm. It is time for all political forces to set aside their differences and develop a comprehensive, long-term counterterrorism strategy. The fight against terrorism is not just a military battle; it is a battle of narratives, of governance, and of national unity.