Written by: Abdul Basit Alvi
Terrorism has been a longstanding challenge for Pakistan, destabilizing its political, social, and economic fabric for decades. The causes of terrorism in the country are complex, rooted in historical, ideological, and geopolitical factors.
The origins of terrorism in Pakistan can be traced to the 1980s when the country became deeply involved in the Soviet-Afghan War. During this period, Pakistan emerged as a key Cold War ally, receiving significant support from the United States and other Western nations. This involvement in the Afghan conflict had lasting repercussions. After the U.S. withdrawal and the collapse of the Soviet Union, many of the mujahideen fighters, who had been trained and armed in Pakistan, shifted their focus toward establishing a more radical form of Islam. Some of these groups, including those that eventually formed al-Qaeda and the Taliban, found refuge in Pakistan, particularly in the tribal areas along the Afghan border. These regions, with their porous borders and difficult terrain, became breeding grounds for extremism and militancy, posing a challenge for the Pakistani government’s control.
The most significant rise in terrorism in Pakistan occurred after the September 11 attacks in 2001. The U.S.-led War on Terror had a profound impact on Pakistan, which aligned itself with the U.S. in efforts to eliminate al-Qaeda and Taliban forces in Afghanistan. However, this partnership provoked a violent response from various extremist groups operating within Pakistan. One of the most notable groups to emerge was the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a breakaway faction of the Afghan Taliban. The TTP launched an insurgency against the Pakistani government, carrying out bombings, suicide attacks, and targeted killings in an attempt to undermine the state’s authority.
The consequences of terrorism in Pakistan have been far-reaching. The country has endured thousands of civilian deaths, widespread displacement, and extensive damage to key sectors of the economy, including tourism, trade, and foreign investment. The constant threat of violence has also had a significant psychological impact on the population, fostering an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty in daily life. Public spaces, markets, and even places of worship have been frequent targets, disrupting normal routines and leaving a generation to grow up amidst violence.
The Pakistani military and security forces have engaged in a long-running battle against militant groups, with significant casualties on both sides. The War on Terror has placed considerable strain on Pakistan’s resources, leading to increased military spending and diverting attention away from other pressing developmental needs.
Pakistan has taken various steps over the years to combat terrorism. The military has launched several large-scale operations, such as Operation Zarb-e-Azb and Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad, with considerable success in dismantling terrorist sanctuaries in tribal regions and other insurgent strongholds. The government has also implemented anti-terrorism laws, such as the Anti-Terrorism Act of 1997, to provide a legal framework for prosecuting terrorists. Additionally, the National Action Plan (NAP), introduced in 2015, aims to combat extremism through measures such as curbing hate speech, blocking terrorist financing, and improving intelligence sharing. Pakistan has worked closely with international partners, including the United Nations and the U.S., to tackle terrorism, sharing intelligence, cracking down on money laundering, and addressing cross-border terrorism. Efforts to combat radicalization at the grassroots level have included educational programs, promoting moderate religious teachings, and raising awareness about the dangers of extremism. Religious scholars have also played a key role in countering the ideologies spread by terrorist groups. A more stable political environment, combined with greater engagement with civil society and the media, has been integral to the broader strategy for addressing terrorism. A unified national stance against terrorism, along with strengthening governance, is essential for achieving long-term peace in Pakistan. Terrorism has remained a persistent threat to the country’s security for decades, and the Pakistan Army, as the primary force defending the nation, has consistently been at the forefront in the battle against extremism and militancy. Recent years have seen several high-profile attacks targeting military personnel and installations, highlighting the evolving nature of Pakistan’s security challenges. These incidents serve as a reminder of the ongoing threat posed by terrorist organizations operating both within the country and across the border.
The Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a violent extremist group primarily based in Afghanistan, has emerged as one of the most significant security threats in recent years. The group’s resurgence, particularly following the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan in 2021, has further complicated the situation. The TTP has carried out multiple deadly attacks against Pakistan’s military, particularly in the tribal areas and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province. For example, in April 2023, militants launched a brazen attack on a military checkpoint in North Waziristan, killing at least 10 soldiers. This incident was part of a broader wave of attacks by the TTP in Pakistan’s northwest, where the group continues to target military and law enforcement personnel.
The attack in North Waziristan served as a stark reminder of the challenges the Pakistan Army faces in combating insurgent groups in the tribal regions, where difficult terrain and cross-border militancy make operations particularly challenging. Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest and most volatile province, has also seen frequent attacks on the military. In November 2022, a suicide bombing targeted a Pakistan Army convoy in Panjgur, Balochistan, killing at least four soldiers. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the attack, which was part of a broader effort by Baloch militants to disrupt state authority and challenge Pakistan’s territorial integrity. This attack underscores the ongoing risks faced by Pakistan’s military in regions plagued by insurgency.
The porous border between Pakistan and Afghanistan, particularly in areas like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, has played a crucial role in the persistence of cross-border terrorism. Militants from various groups, including the TTP, often use Afghanistan as a base to launch attacks into Pakistan. The situation worsened following the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in 2021, which allowed militant groups to operate with greater freedom, unchallenged by the Afghan government. A notable example of this occurred in February 2023, when militants, allegedly based in Afghanistan, launched a cross-border assault on a security post in Chaman, a key border town in Balochistan. The attack injured several Pakistani soldiers and was part of a broader pattern of violence tied to insurgent groups operating from Afghanistan. In response, the Pakistani military carried out airstrikes on militant hideouts across the border, further highlighting the challenges of cross-border terrorism.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which borders Afghanistan and is home to major cities like Peshawar, has long been a hotspot for terrorist activity. While the military has made significant progress in dismantling terrorist networks in the region, sporadic attacks continue to pose a threat to its stability. These incidents underscore the ongoing security challenges Pakistan faces as it grapples with both domestic and cross-border terrorism. Terrorists from the TTP and other groups regularly target military convoys and checkpoints in the region. In July 2022, a bombing struck a military convoy in Bannu district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, killing at least six soldiers and injuring several more. The attack was attributed to the TTP, which has been behind numerous similar assaults across the area. The group’s ability to execute such attacks in a relatively secure region like KP highlights the ongoing threat posed by militant factions, despite years of military operations aimed at eliminating insurgents. The bombing in Bannu served as another stark reminder of the challenges faced by Pakistan’s military in controlling insurgent elements operating in the country’s northwest. These areas remain vulnerable to attacks due to a combination of local support for insurgent groups, porous borders, and difficult terrain that allows militants to regroup and plan assaults. Beyond direct attacks on military convoys and installations, Pakistan’s armed forces have increasingly been targeted by suicide bombers and IEDs, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. These attacks are designed to cause maximum casualties and instill fear in both military and civilian populations. Militants use such tactics to counter the superior firepower of the Pakistan Army and to weaken its authority.
In August 2022, an IED blast targeted a Pakistan Army convoy in the Khyber District of KP, killing three soldiers and injuring several more. The use of IEDs has become a preferred tactic for insurgents, who plant explosives along military routes, making it difficult for security forces to detect and neutralize the threat in advance. These attacks have become more frequent, contributing to the ongoing instability in the region.
Many recent attacks on Pakistan’s military, especially by groups like the TTP and Baloch separatists, are believed to be linked to external support. Pakistan has long accused India and Afghanistan of providing assistance, either directly or indirectly, to insurgent groups operating within its borders, through training, funding, and logistical support. This external backing complicates Pakistan’s already challenging counterterrorism efforts. The Pakistan Army, led by General Asim Munir, has consistently emphasized that external support for terrorist groups targeting Pakistan will not be tolerated. The military has responded with operations and intelligence-sharing with international partners to neutralize cross-border threats and dismantle support networks for insurgents.
These challenges stem not only from internal conflicts but also from external threats. The term “enemies” in this context includes not just conventional military adversaries but also various forces—both domestic and foreign—that seek to destabilize Pakistan, undermine its sovereignty, or create unrest within its borders. Understanding these threats, both internal and external, is crucial to grasping the political and security dynamics that continue to shape Pakistan’s future.
India remains Pakistan’s primary external rival, a relationship rooted in the countries’ shared history since the 1947 partition. The two nations have fought multiple wars (in 1947, 1965, and 1999) and have remained in a state of tension over several decades. At the core of their rivalry is the Kashmir dispute, dating back to partition. India’s refusal to grant Kashmiris the right to self-determination, coupled with alleged human rights abuses in the region, has been a major point of contention. Additionally, India’s support for separatist movements in Pakistan, particularly in Balochistan and the tribal areas, has added to the tension. Beyond Kashmir, Pakistan is also concerned about India’s growing military capabilities and its strategic partnerships with the U.S. and other Western nations. The nuclear rivalry between the two countries has further escalated tensions, with the conventional arms race and the fear of nuclear conflict remaining central to Pakistan’s security calculations.
Afghanistan has also been a complex neighbor. The relationship between the two countries has fluctuated between cooperation and conflict, with the most significant point of tension being the Durand Line, the border that Pakistan considers official, but which Afghanistan has historically rejected. In recent years, the relationship has soured further due to the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan, further complicating Pakistan’s security landscape. Simultaneously, Pakistan is confronted with security threats from the Afghan-based Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a group responsible for numerous attacks within the country. One of the most pressing internal threats to Pakistan is the presence of terrorist and extremist organizations operating within its borders. While the ideological motivations of these groups may differ, their common goal is to destabilize the state and undermine the government’s authority. These groups not only inflict violence within Pakistan but also present a serious threat to regional security. Various internal elements are actively working to destabilize Pakistan and disrupt its peace and harmony. Some anti-state actors are particularly active on social media, using it as a platform to spread hate and sow discord against Pakistan and its military. These groups engage in digital terrorism, spreading divisiveness within society. The Pakistani government and military are taking these issues very seriously. The Army Chief, General Asim Munir, has firmly addressed these elements, standing strong against their efforts.
General Asim Munir, the 17th Chief of Army Staff (COAS) of Pakistan, assumed command in November 2022, at a time when Pakistan was grappling with a range of security challenges. His leadership came at a critical moment, with significant threats posed both internally and externally to the country’s stability and sovereignty. Known for his dynamic approach and commitment to national security, General Munir has been vocal about confronting these challenges directly.
With over four decades of military experience, including key roles as Director-General of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and Director-General of Military Intelligence (DGMI), General Munir has a deep understanding of the complex security dynamics facing Pakistan. His career in intelligence and counterterrorism has shaped his approach to dealing with the security issues Pakistan faces. His tenure as COAS has been especially vital as Pakistan confronts increasing extremist violence, geopolitical tensions, and internal instability.
Upon taking command, one of General Munir’s primary concerns was the growing external threats to Pakistan, particularly from India and Afghanistan. India has long been Pakistan’s primary external adversary, particularly over the disputed Kashmir region. The relationship between the two countries has been fraught with tension, and the two nuclear-armed nations have fought three major wars since their partition in 1947. The situation worsened in 2019 when India revoked Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, further escalating tensions. General Munir has emphasized the importance of safeguarding Pakistan’s territorial integrity, especially in Kashmir, and has repeatedly affirmed the country’s commitment to defending every inch of its land. The Kashmir region remains a flashpoint, and under General Munir’s leadership, the Pakistan Army has maintained a strong defensive stance along the Line of Control (LoC).
Additionally, General Munir has stressed that Pakistan’s nuclear deterrence remains a cornerstone of its defense strategy, ensuring that any aggression from India would not go unanswered. The growing military capabilities of India, including its acquisition of advanced defense technology, have raised concerns for Pakistan. General Munir has called for the modernization and enhancement of Pakistan’s military capabilities, underscoring the importance of strategic partnerships, particularly with China, to counterbalance India’s military influence in the region.
Furthermore, General Munir has made it clear that Pakistan views the situation in Afghanistan as a significant threat to its security, particularly given the presence of insurgent groups operating across the border. The TTP, operating from Afghan territory, has carried out numerous deadly attacks within Pakistan, especially in the tribal regions. General Munir has been vocal about the need for Afghanistan to uphold its commitments to prevent its soil from being used by militants aiming to destabilize Pakistan. In his public remarks, General Munir has emphasized that Pakistan will not tolerate any cross-border terrorism and has made it clear that the country retains the right to take necessary actions to safeguard its citizens and territory. General Munir has also called on the international community to exert pressure on the Taliban to prevent militant groups from operating within Afghanistan and to ensure peace along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. While facing significant external threats, he has been equally vocal about the growing internal challenges, particularly from extremist groups, terrorists, and separatist movements. His leadership has been instrumental in tackling these threats and strengthening Pakistan’s internal security.
General Munir has consistently emphasized the importance of counterterrorism efforts, making it clear that Pakistan’s military will not allow any terrorist organization to operate within its borders. Under his command, the Pakistan Army has ramped up operations in the tribal areas and other regions historically influenced by terrorist groups. The success of past operations like Zarb-e-Azb and Radd-ul-Fasaad has been further consolidated under his leadership.
He has also stressed that combating extremism requires a unified approach, asserting that the fight against terrorism is not solely a military effort but demands cooperation across all sectors of society, including government, law enforcement, and civilians. His leadership has focused on dismantling terrorist networks, cutting off their funding, and strengthening intelligence and security measures to preempt attacks.
General Munir has highlighted the need for unity amidst sectarian and ethnic divisions, calling for greater interfaith dialogue and cooperation among Pakistan’s diverse communities to prevent exploitation by militant groups. He has underscored the importance of religious tolerance, emphasizing that Pakistan’s strength lies in its diversity.
In addition, Pakistan’s Balochistan province has faced ongoing terrorism, and while General Munir has reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to a peaceful resolution, he has been resolute in his stance that any attempts to destabilize the country through violence will be met with a firm response. His background as the former head of ISI and DGMI has greatly shaped his approach to internal security. He has stressed the need for robust intelligence-sharing, coordination between military and civilian agencies, and better border management to combat internal threats. Under his leadership, the military has collaborated closely with law enforcement agencies to address militancy and organized crime.
General Munir has also highlighted the role of technological innovation in counterterrorism, advocating for the use of advanced surveillance and intelligence tools to detect and neutralize threats before they materialize.
The Army Chief has continuously warned both internal and external elements of Pakistan, demonstrating unwavering commitment to defend the nation on all fronts. His speeches and actions serve as a source of hope for the people and a warning to Pakistan’s enemies. Recently, General Munir vowed that the armed forces would hunt down the “frenemies” targeting the state. Following the martyrdom of 18 soldiers in counterterrorism operations across Balochistan, he visited Quetta to reaffirm his resolve. The army chief was given a detailed briefing on the current security situation in the province, attended by senior security and intelligence officials. During the briefing, the COAS emphasized that those acting as terrorist proxies for foreign powers, skilled in playing both sides and practicing double standards, are well-known to us. The army chief stated that no matter what these so-called ‘frenemies’ may attempt, they will ultimately be defeated by the resilience of our proud nation and its armed forces. He vowed that, for the defense of our motherland and its people, Pakistan will retaliate and pursue these enemies whenever and wherever necessary. He commended the courage and determination of the military, paramilitary, and law enforcement personnel in their fight against terrorism, reassuring them of the army’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the security and well-being of the people of Balochistan. Additionally, he reaffirmed the military’s support for the provincial government’s efforts to foster peace, stability, and development in the region.
Terrorism continues to be a significant challenge for Pakistan. The frequency of terror attacks surged after the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) group broke a fragile ceasefire with the government. With at least 685 security forces personnel losing their lives amidst 444 total terror attacks, 2024 became the deadliest year for Pakistan’s civil and military security forces in a decade. Equally concerning was the combined toll on civilians and security forces, with 1,612 fatalities, making up over 63% of the total deaths, and marking a 73% increase in casualties compared to the number of militants eliminated (934). The total fatalities last year reached a nine-year high, with more than 66% increase compared to 2023. On average, nearly seven lives were lost each day.
The army chief’s clear message to both internal and external enemies of Pakistan has been widely appreciated by the people, who see him as a true defender and well-wisher of the country. The people of Pakistan strongly support the initiatives taken by the government and the military to decisively confront both internal and external threats to the nation.
