Battling terrorism

he security forces are battling an increasing number of terrorist attacks in the country, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.

On March 12, security forces announced completing the rescue of hostages taken from Jafar Express, which was attacked and hijacked near Sibi.

Inter-Services Public Relations Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif announced the successful completion of the operation to recover the hostages.

Earlier on March 11, terrorists had attacked Jafar Express, which was carrying around 400 passengers from Quetta to Peshawar. Railway officials said the attack took place at about 1pm just as the train was passing through the Bolan Pass.

The ISPR chief said that army, air force, Frontier Corps and SSG personnel had taken part in the operation. He said the incident had taken place in a difficult-to-access area, far from settled population. “The terrorists were in contact with their supporters and masterminds in Afghanistan. They were using satellite phones,” he said. “The hostages had been off-loaded from the train. They were being held in several groups — each guarded by suicide bombers. This made rescue efforts tricky. In the end, snipers took out the bombers, allowing the hostages to escape to safety.” He said 21 civilian passengers had been killed besides four FC personnel.

According to the Global Terrorism Index 2025, the country has become the second-most terrorism-affected nation in the world, a grim reminder of the security challenges it continues to face. The resurgence of militancy has brought new concerns. On several occasions the security forces have discovered sophisticated weapons in terrorist hideouts. Experts say the situation has become more dangerous especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.

Since the US withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021, thousands of advanced weapons, including M4 Carbines, M16A4 rifles and anti-personnel grenades, have fallen into the hands of militant groups. Security forces in Pakistan have found these weapons in terrorist strongholds, raising serious questions about how such arms are making their way into Pakistan and whether the Afghan Taliban are doing enough to curb militant activity.

For over two decades, Pakistan has fought a relentless war against terrorism. Military operations such as Zarb-i-Azb, Radd-ul-Fasaad and Khyber-IV inflicted heavy losses on terrorist networks, forcing some of their members to flee to Afghanistan. However, following the Taliban’s return to power, these groups have regrouped and re-armed launched deadly attacks across Pakistan.

The recent months have seen an alarming rise in militant activity. On March 4, a group of terrorists attempted to storm the Bannu cantonment, using explosive-laden vehicles to breach the security cordon. Security forces managed to repel the attack, killing 16 terrorists, including four suicide bombers. The operation also led to the recovery of sophisticated weapons.

Earlier in North Waziristan, security had forces carried out an intelligence-based operation on February 28, targeting a Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan hideout. Six militants were killed in the operation. The security personnel seized M24 sniper rifles and M16A4 rifles. The weapons had once belonged to US-trained Afghan security forces. Earlier still, on February 15, in clashes with the security forces in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 15 militants had been killed. In Harnai, Balochistan, on February 1, security forces killed 11 terrorists and destroyed their hideout.

For longer than two decades, Pakistan has fought a relentless war against terrorism. Military operations such as Zarb-i-Azb, Radd-ul-Fasaad and Khyber-IV inflicted heavy losses on terrorist networks, forcing some of their members to flee to Afghanistan. However, following the Taliban’s return to power, these groups have regrouped and rearmed.

Security officials have been regularly pointing fingers at the Afghan Taliban, whom they suspect of harbouring TTP militants. The Afghan interim government, however, has denied these allegations, insisting that it does not support cross-border militancy. Yet, the frequency of attacks and the discovery of sophisticated weaponry in terrorist hideouts suggest otherwise.

According to Pentagon reports, the US had supplied over 427,300 combat weapons to Afghan security forces before withdrawing in 2021. At least 300,000 of these weapons are unaccounted for. A significant portion is believed to have fallen into militants’ hands. This has apparently been fuelling terrorist violence in Pakistan, making the attacks more deadly and harder to counter.

While security forces bear the brunt of these attacks, journalists, human rights activists and social workers are also under constant threat. Many reporting on militancy, extremism and cross-border violence have been harassed into silence. Some have been killed.

Ordinary civilians are the biggest victims of terrorism. More than 1,000 civilians were killed in 2024 alone, Besides, 250 security personnel embraced martyrdom in the line of duty. The terrorist attacks have included suicide bombings, targeted killings and ambushes.

The economic impact of terrorism has been devastating. Over the past two decades, Pakistan has suffered over $150 billion due to terrorist/ militant violence. Foreign investment has plummeted as a result. The tourism industry has collapsed in particular. Businesses in high-risk regions have struggled to survive. Investors remain hesitant to engage in areas where security threats persist, and the country’s global reputation has taken a hit.

Wali Khan Shinwari, a journalist and educationist, who has been living abroad for some time, emphasises the long-term consequences of terrorism on education and economic development. “The continued violence has driven investors away and forced many families to flee. Our children are growing up in a situation where schools are frequently targeted and economic opportunities are almost non-existent,” he says.

Pakistan’s fight against terrorism cannot be won through military means alone. A multi-pronged approach is necessary. Strengthening border security is crucial. This requires the use of advanced surveillance technology such as drones and radar systems needed to monitor cross-border movements. The Pak-Afghan border fencing needs to be reinforced to prevent militants from infiltrating.

Improving intelligence coordination between military and civilian agencies is critical. Incorporating AI-based intelligence gathering can help track terrorist movement and weapons smuggling routes.

Diplomatic efforts must also be ramped up. Pakistan needs to apply greater pressure on the Afghan Taliban to take action against TTP sanctuaries. Engaging regional powers like China, Russia and Turkey in negotiations could push Kabul to take stricter measures against militants.

To counter radicalisation, economic and social development in terrorism-affected regions must be prioritised. Investments in education and job creation can provide alternative opportunities for the youth vulnerable to extremist recruitment. Media and public awareness campaigns must also be launched to counter extremist propaganda and promote peace and tolerance.

Pakistan stands at a crucial juncture in its fight against terrorism. As cross-border attacks intensify and the civilian death toll rises, the situation demands an urgent and comprehensive response. This requires coordinated efforts by the government, civil society, media and citizens. Only by addressing the root causes of extremism can Pakistan hope to achieve lasting peace and stability.

The writer is afreelance journalist and social activist