Security crisis

The security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan is getting worse every day. We frequently witness terror attacks on security forces and civilians. Militancy increased after the Afghan Taliban took control of Kabul in August 2021. Many thought that the return of the Afghan Taliban to power was a good omen and that their rule in Afghanistan would bring peace to Pakistan. However, it appears to have paved the way for violent insurgency in KP’s former tribal areas and its southern districts. It is believed that TTP has safe hideouts in Afghanistan, from where the attacks are launched against Pakistan. Extremist groups cross the porous borders and carry out attacks.

In Balochistan, the terrorist activities are conducted mainly by separatist groups. The province has witnessed a surge in attacks in the last few months, with the hijacking of the Jaffar Express being the most notable. Pakistan has now risen to second place in the Global Terrorism Index 2025, as reported by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP). It is pivotal for the government to review its counter-terrorism laws and to implement the National Action Plan in letter and in spirit.

Muhammad Zafar Mehsud

Peshawar