Pakistan is entangled in multifaceted crises, each carrying its own unique set of complexities. Recently, multiple crises have simultaneously emerged, including political instability, economic downturns, political protests, constitutional crises, and an upsurge in terrorist incidents. While there has been some relief in the severity of the political and economic turmoil, with the country’s governance running smoothly and the economy showing improvement, the scourge of terrorism persists. This menace resurfaces whenever the opportunity arises. Just recently, in Dera Ismail Khan, an attack by Kharijite terrorists on the “Zam” FC checkpoint led to the martyrdom of 10 soldiers and left three wounded.
According to the Ministry of Interior, the terrorists attacked the “Zam” checkpoint in the “Darzinda” area during the night with heavy weapons. Ten soldiers embraced martyrdom while bravely resisting the foreign terrorists, and three others were injured. Among the martyrs, six belonged to South Waziristan and four to Karak. The injured soldiers were transferred to CMH Dera Ismail Khan. In another incident in Bannu, SHO and his guard were martyred when terrorists opened fire on their police mobile. Meanwhile, in Lakki Marwat, Kharijite terrorists attacked a mosque during the Maghrib prayer. A Pakistan Military Academy cadet, Arifullah, who was on leave in his native area, fought bravely and sacrificed his life, saving the other worshippers. His heroism exemplifies the sacrifices and resolve of our security forces against terrorism.
The President of Pakistan condemned the attack and paid tribute to the martyrs, offering prayers for their elevation and patience for their families. The Prime Minister, likewise, reiterated the government’s commitment to eradicating terrorism from its roots.
A notable aspect of these attacks is that they predominantly occur in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Despite efforts, the Pakistan-Afghan border remains insecure, with cross-border movement continuing. The repatriation process for Afghan nationals has also stalled. Moreover, the public lacks data on those who have been sent back to Afghanistan, and no information is shared if any individuals have returned.
The porous Afghanistan-Pakistan border poses a significant challenge to establishing peace in Pakistan. The presence of Afghan refugees in Pakistan has created vulnerabilities, often providing a support network for terrorist activities. Powerful groups with vested interests further complicate the situation by facilitating foreign drug dealers, hawala operators, and underworld mafias, who, in turn, provide logistics for terrorists.
International pressure on Afghanistan’s government is mounting, with demands to eliminate terrorism within its borders. While China, Russia, and India engage in diplomatic and economic relations with the Taliban for resource access, the Afghan administration is selling its resources at minimal rates without accountability. Consequently, multinational companies and wealthy traders from powerful nations are exploiting Afghan resources, using the Taliban’s need for survival as leverage.
Pakistan’s policymakers must adopt a diplomatic approach that aligns with contemporary needs rather than rigid textbook diplomacy. Afghanistan, though one of the world’s poorest countries, lacks democracy and has no checks on the decisions made by its interim government. Human rights, art, and culture remain alien concepts within Afghanistan’s governance structure, and there is no accountability.
In Pakistan, self-proclaimed human rights defenders often use these ideals to support even terrorists, religious extremists, and criminal mafias. Our policy makers and government must engage in self-reflection. The responsibility for Pakistan’s internal situation does not solely rest on external terrorist groups but on the governance system’s inherent flaws. When a country’s leadership commits to eliminating terrorists, success follows, as seen in other nations. In Pakistan, systemic weaknesses, loopholes, ambiguities, and deficiencies benefit those working against the nation’s interests.