or several months now Pakistan has faced terrorist activities in various parts of the country. Gwadar, Pasni, Mianwali, Dera Ismail Khan and South Waziristan have been the most affected by these incidents. The timing of this spike is noteworthy as Pakistan is focused on economic stability to bring peace and prosperity to its people. There is, thus, a need to analyse why militancy has grown at this crucial time in Pakistan’s history.

For some time now, the governments in Pakistan have been determined to restore economic stability. While there are efforts to meet the International Monetary Fund’s conditions, Pakistan is also trying to take measures that will make it economically viable for foreign investors.

The setting up of Special Investment Facilitation Council is a step in this direction. The government is making all out efforts to attract foreign investment to ease the economic hardship.

The government is also focusing on smuggling, repatriation of illegal immigrants and unauthorised foreign currency trade.

The SIFC has tried to reduce the burden on the economy and create an investor-friendly environment so that foreign investors should feel confident and commit their capital for mega projects in the country. Pakistan’s friends from the Gulf region have agreed to invest in the country. The government is trying to improve the environment to expedite this process.

China has already made substantial investment in Pakistan under the China Pakistan Economic Corridor umbrella. Security is paramount for foreign direct investment flows. Security arrangements for Chinese investors have been upgraded after challenges were faced in some areas. More foreign investments are likely to require stricter security measures.

It seems no mere coincidence that Pakistan is facing such a fragile security situation. There is tangible evidence that our adversaries are ratcheting up difficulties for us as the country tries to get out of the web of economic woes. 

Pakistan’s enemies believe that if Pakistan’s security situation remains precarious potential foreign investments will head elsewhere. No wonder the terrorist activities have increased just as efforts to stabilise the economy have started taking shape.

So far, more than 100,000 Afghans illegally residing in the country have been sent back to their country. The decision has been criticised by Afghanistan. The United States too wants Pakistan not to deport these people. Another dimension of the issue is that Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan, a major militant group sponsoring terrorist activities in the country, has safe havens and training facilities in Afghanistan.

There is tangible evidence that our adversaries are creating difficulties for us as the country is trying to stabilise its economy. The need of the hour is to inform the public about the challenges Pakistan is facing. Public support in such difficult times is crucial. It is noteworthy that so far the general public has backed all significant decisions taken by the government.

Pakistan has faced similar situations in the past. Every time it has bounced back and overcome the challenges with tenacity and resilience. The security forces have defeated terrorist organisations in the past. Efforts to bring about an economic revival have to be aligned with efforts to meet security challenges in the country.

There is a need to underscore that the paramount aim should be economic stability in the country. All efforts must be directed at achieving this objective. The situation today is yet another test of resilience. It should not be an insurmountable task.

The writer works at the Institute of Regional Studies. She can be reached at reema.asim81@gmail.com