A workable charter of counterterrorism in Pakistan is imperative for internal security

Rising militancy in Pakistan poses a severe threat to internal security and foreign investment, highlighting the urgency of a cohesive counterterrorism strategy. Despite efforts to address this menace, political disunity remains a major impediment. With over 1,141 casualties from terror incidents reported between January 1 and March 16, 2025, the escalating violence, particularly in Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, necessitates a robust, intelligence-driven approach. However, merely focusing on kinetic measures without acknowledging the importance of political and developmental strategies may only provide a temporary reprieve. The government launched Vision ‘Azm-e-Istehkam’ in June 2024 to reinvigorate counterterrorism efforts, but Islamabad’s inability to diplomatically pressure the Taliban to sever ties with TTP and Baloch armed groups continues to frustrate its efforts.

The persistence of militancy is compounded by the lack of political consensus, as highlighted by the opposition’s boycott of a pivotal security meeting on March 11, 2025. Despite the participation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the army chief, and the spy chief, the refusal of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf to support fresh military operations reflects deep-seated political divisions. This polarization undermines the establishment of a unified counterterrorism charter that can effectively address extremism, separatism, and radicalization. As militancy thrives on political disunity, a pragmatic and inclusive approach involving all political stakeholders, religious groups, and civil society organizations is crucial for sustainable stability. The urgent task of drafting a comprehensive counterterrorism charter cannot be achieved unless the political leadership prioritizes national security over partisan interests.

Overview:

This article discusses the critical need for a unified counterterrorism strategy in Pakistan to combat rising militancy, particularly in Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. Despite the government’s efforts under Vision ‘Azm-e-Istehkam’, political polarization and the inability to secure cooperation from the Afghan Taliban continue to hinder progress. The lack of consensus among political parties has resulted in ineffective and short-term measures against terrorism, emphasizing the need for a cohesive national counterterrorism charter.

NOTES:

Pakistan’s counterterrorism strategy is at a critical juncture due to increasing militant attacks, particularly in Balochistan and KP. Vision ‘Azm-e-Istehkam’ aims to enhance counterterrorism efforts through intelligence-driven approaches, yet political divisions and diplomatic failures obstruct meaningful progress. Understanding Pakistan’s internal security dynamics and the interplay between kinetic and non-kinetic measures is essential for aspirants. Topics such as counterterrorism policies, national security challenges, provincial cooperation, and the role of international diplomacy are key aspects to consider.

Relevant CSS Syllabus Topics:

• Pakistan Affairs: National security, terrorism, counterterrorism policies, and inter-provincial cooperation.
• International Relations: Diplomatic engagement with Afghanistan, cross-border terrorism, and regional security dynamics.
• Governance and Public Policy: Political polarization, policy implementation, and consensus-building.

Notes for Beginners:

Pakistan faces a serious challenge from increasing militancy, particularly in Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. Militancy refers to violent or aggressive behavior by armed groups against the government or people. For example, the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Baloch armed groups are actively carrying out attacks. To combat this, the government launched Vision ‘Azm-e-Istehkam’ in June 2024, focusing on intelligence-driven efforts to stop attacks before they happen. However, different political parties have not agreed on how to fight this issue, making it hard to create a unified strategy. For instance, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party refused to support new military operations, which weakens the country’s overall efforts.

Facts and Figures:

• Over 1,141 Pakistanis were killed or injured in terror incidents between January 1 and March 16, 2025.
• The UN Security Council’s Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team reported in July 2024 that Al-Qaeda provided training and funding to TTP for weapons.
• Vision ‘Azm-e-Istehkam’ was launched by Pakistan in June 2024 to intensify counterterrorism efforts.
• Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, a major political party, boycotted a critical security meeting in March 2025.
• The growing nexus between Al-Qaeda and TTP in Afghanistan poses a severe threat to Pakistan’s security.

To wrap up, Pakistan’s struggle against militancy demands an all-encompassing approach that bridges political divides and integrates diplomatic, military, and developmental strategies. While Vision ‘Azm-e-Istehkam’ marks a commendable attempt to rejuvenate counterterrorism efforts, its success hinges on political unity and collaboration. The absence of a cohesive strategy is a comfort to militant groups and a concern for citizens yearning for security. To ensure lasting peace, the political leadership must transcend petty rivalries and craft a comprehensive counterterrorism charter grounded in unity and pragmatism.

Difficult Words and Meanings:

• Kinetic: Relating to motion; here, it refers to active, forceful measures against militancy. (Synonyms: Active, Dynamic. Antonyms: Passive, Static)
• Revamping: Improving or restructuring something to make it more efficient. (Synonyms: Reorganizing, Overhauling. Antonyms: Maintaining, Neglecting)
• Nexus: A connection or series of connections linking two or more things. (Synonyms: Link, Bond. Antonyms: Disconnection, Separation)
• Discord: Disagreement or conflict between people or groups. (Synonyms: Conflict, Strife. Antonyms: Harmony, Accord)
• Transnational: Extending or operating across national boundaries. (Synonyms: International, Cross-border. Antonyms: Domestic, National)