Taking on Terrorists

Pakistan’s ongoing battle against militancy has reached a critical juncture, with a recent civil-military huddle underscoring the need for a decisive course of action. The in-camera meeting of the Parliamentary Committee on National Security followed a surge in terrorist attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, reinforcing the urgency of counterterrorism efforts. While a multi-pronged strategy was proposed, the military operation emerged as the focal point, requiring substantial resources and political consensus. However, opposition party TTAP’s refusal to participate in the meeting, owing to its leader’s incarceration, highlighted the lack of a unified political will. The challenges of undertaking military action without broad-based political support are exacerbated by external influences, as terrorist handlers have been traced back to Afghanistan, with claims of Indian backing further complicating Pakistan’s security landscape. The question of whether Pakistan should approach former U.S. diplomat Zalmay Khalilzad to mediate with the Afghan Taliban regarding the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) looms large, as Islamabad struggles to rein in cross-border militancy without significant diplomatic leverage.

While Pakistan mulls over its strategy, its regional isolation has become increasingly apparent. The country finds itself unable to pressure India into halting support for Baloch insurgents and struggles to persuade the Afghan Taliban to curb the TTP’s activities. The dilemma is compounded by the influx of advanced weaponry left behind by U.S. forces in Afghanistan, now in the hands of militant groups. Despite acknowledging these challenges, the civil-military assembly overlooked crucial aspects, including the underpreparedness of Pakistan’s police forces to tackle urban terrorism. With the U.S. engaging the Afghan Taliban directly while bypassing Pakistan, Islamabad must think beyond conventional approaches. The key question remains: how many military operations must Pakistan endure to secure its existence, and at what cost to national stability and public trust?

Overview:

The article examines Pakistan’s counterterrorism dilemma, focusing on internal political divisions, external threats, and strategic shortcomings. It highlights the lack of consensus on military operations, the role of regional actors in fostering militancy, and the potential for diplomatic engagement with Khalilzad as an intermediary. The piece of writing underscores Pakistan’s increasing isolation and the need for innovative solutions to address the TTP threat.

NOTES:

Pakistan’s counterterrorism strategy is riddled with complexities, stemming from internal political discord and external geopolitical dynamics. The absence of a unified stance on military operations, as evident in TTAP’s non-participation, weakens the legitimacy of forceful interventions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. The persistent security threat is further fueled by the unchecked movement of militants across the Afghan border and India’s alleged involvement in insurgent activities. The Doha Accord, which the Afghan Taliban committed to, prohibits Afghan soil from being used for cross-border terrorism, yet Pakistan struggles to enforce this obligation. The strategic importance of engaging influential mediators like Khalilzad reflects the urgency of diplomatic maneuvering to complement military action. Meanwhile, the under-resourced police force remains ill-equipped to handle urban terrorism, exposing a significant vulnerability in Pakistan’s internal security apparatus. Given its regional isolation, Pakistan faces the dual challenge of countering militancy while navigating complex international relations, making counterterrorism not just a military concern but a multidimensional issue requiring political, economic, and diplomatic strategies.

Relevant CSS Syllabus Topics:

• Pakistan Affairs – Pakistan’s counterterrorism policies, internal security challenges, and regional diplomacy.
• International Relations – Pakistan’s relationship with Afghanistan, India’s role in regional militancy, and the impact of U.S. policy.
• Political Science – Civil-military relations, national security decision-making, and the role of opposition parties in counterterrorism efforts.

Notes for Beginners:

Pakistan is dealing with a serious terrorist problem, mainly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, where attacks have become frequent. A recent government and military meeting discussed ways to handle this crisis, but not all political parties agreed on military action. Terrorist groups are operating from Afghanistan, and some reports suggest that India is supporting them. One major issue is that the police do not have enough training or equipment to stop these attacks in cities. Pakistan is also struggling to convince the Afghan government to stop sheltering militants, despite agreements made in the past. Some experts suggest asking a former U.S. diplomat, Zalmay Khalilzad, to negotiate with the Afghan Taliban on Pakistan’s behalf. However, Pakistan remains politically isolated in the region, and unless a strong and coordinated strategy is adopted, security challenges will continue to grow.

Facts and Figures:

• The recent security meeting took place on March 18, 2025, highlighting the urgency of the counterterrorism challenge.
• The Doha Accord (2020) between the U.S. and the Afghan Taliban included commitments to prevent Afghan soil from being used for terrorism, which Pakistan now struggles to enforce.
• The U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021 left behind advanced weaponry, now in the hands of militant groups.
• Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, the two provinces most affected by terrorism, make up more than half of Pakistan’s total land area.
• Opposition alliance TTAP boycotted the security meeting, reflecting deep political divisions over the counterterrorism strategy.

To sum up, Pakistan’s struggle against terrorism is at a crossroads, requiring not just military action but also political unity and strategic diplomacy. The lack of consensus within the government weakens security efforts, while regional actors continue to exploit Pakistan’s vulnerabilities. The proposal to engage Khalilzad as a mediator, though unconventional, reflects the urgency of finding alternative solutions. However, Pakistan’s real challenge lies in overcoming its regional isolation and strengthening internal security mechanisms, particularly in urban areas. A failure to adopt a cohesive strategy will only prolong instability, making a clear, long-term counterterrorism policy imperative.

Difficult Words and Meanings:

Menace – A serious threat or danger (Syn: peril, hazard | Ant: safety, security)

Militancy – The use of aggressive actions to support a cause (Syn: extremism, belligerence | Ant: pacifism, diplomacy)

Huddle – A private meeting or discussion (Syn: assembly, conference | Ant: separation, division)

Consensus – General agreement (Syn: accord, unity | Ant: disagreement, discord)

Repercussions – Negative consequences of an action (Syn: aftermath, fallout | Ant: benefits, rewards)