In the annals of contemporary geopolitical struggles, few nations have borne the disproportionate burden of terrorism. Pakistan has suffered more than 90,000 lives lost and economic losses in terms of hundreds of billions of dollars in its fight against terrorism. Nevertheless, even with such sacrifices, the threat remains, and hence a national, but more importantly, a global response is needed. The tragedy that Pakistan has to deal with should not have been concentrated as a regional problem but as a global problem. Nations should come together in real action that is grounded in justice, fairness, and following international and humanitarian law to eliminate the menace of terrorism.

“Pakistan has suffered more than 90,000 lives lost and economic losses in hundreds of billions of dollars in its fight against terrorism.”

The key to Pakistan’s successful anti-terrorist efforts lies in its significant contribution to dismantling al-Qaida and its ongoing fight against some of the world’s most notorious terrorist groups. Groups like Daesh, TTP, BLA, and the Majid Brigade have been directly challenged by Pakistan. Although the nation’s relentless efforts have achieved major successes in disrupting these groups and organizations, the broader issue of terrorism, its roots, spread, and global impact, remains a major challenge.

The report presented by the United Nations Secretary General depicts the recent history of world terrorism. Daesh may have suffered losing the big swathes of land in Iraq and Syria, but it has spread its wings to West Africa and the Sahel, and its affiliate, ISIL-K, now presents a threat to Afghanistan. Daesh retains a presence of close to 3,000 fighters in the Middle East, and ISIL-K in Afghanistan has an estimated 2,000 fighters. Their factual opposition and capacity to cope with the changing attitudes of global war indicate that the danger they bring about is a multi-level issue that affects the regional and global security as well.

Of particular concern is the increase in TTP, the biggest UN-designated terrorist group that operates on Afghan soil with a fighter strength of 6,000. The activities of the group are more than violence; the group aims at destabilizing the pillars of the sovereignty and security of Pakistan. Along with other radical outfits such as the BLA and Majid Brigade, TTP has adopted an active strategy that aims at the destruction of strategic installations, key national projects, as well as targeting civilians.

Recent acts of terror attributed to these organizations, such as the hijacking of the Jaffar Express and the unpleasant incident with tragic school bus attack in Khuzdar, are evidence of the haphazard and inhumane nature of these groups. Their violence is not selective and cuts across all boundaries of age, sex as well and status. The attacks against innocent civilians, including children, are a moral and strategic reason that must be addressed by the global community.

“The people targeted include children, showing the inhumane nature of groups like TTP, BLA, and Majid Brigade.”

Such moves are not one-off actions. They are an element of a wider trend of externally supported transnational forms of terrorism. Pakistan has been vocal about the presence of a regional foe, such as RAW, that is alleged to fuel terrorism against its population, which is clear in the May attack that resulted in the death of 54 citizens. This infringement of Pakistani sovereignty is a symbol of other regional security complexities that remain unsettled. The international community cannot afford to sit on such open disregard for sovereignty. A diplomatic and strategic approach is needed to curb the wave of state-sponsored terrorism that has continued to destabilize both the region and the world order.

Besides, the increased threat of terrorism in the global world is also facilitated by the emergence of new technologies. Utilization of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and artificial intelligence to disseminate extremist views, recruit, and celebrate violence by terrorist groups is a dangerous trend. The capability to transform young people via digital platforms into radicalized youths has become one of the most effective instruments in the possession of the terror gangs. Fighting this new digitalized form of extremism needs new creative counterterrorism approaches that complement the traditional approaches and venture into the online realm with the same vigor.

Because of the international nature of terrorism, it is of utmost importance to approach the problem with multiple strategies. It is important to make distinctions between terrorism and actual attempts to gain independence. Lost in making this distinction only promotes the cycle. In addition, Pakistan has been pushing the idea of reforming sanctions regimes so that they cannot be used to inappropriately punish an entire community and can hold the real perpetrators of violating them accountable. A more targeted and narrowed approach should then be taken into consideration, where the approach should not blanket whole populations or regions because of the emerging threats.

Inaction against terrorism must be a joint enterprise and must be anchored in the aspects of international law, justice, and fair play. It is no longer tenable to address terrorism through a lens of double standards, political expediency, and selective engagement. The solution to the global terrorism problem should not be a politically driven undertaking but one established on a notional established by the principles of sovereignty, human rights, and peace.

“Externally supported transnational terrorism, including alleged RAW involvement, destabilises Pakistan’s sovereignty.”

Pakistan has now turned towards the international community, asking them to stand along its side in combating terrorism, and it is not a mere call on behalf of need but on behalf of common sense and unity of action. The world needs to understand that terrorism is not a problem of one country or region, but it is an international ailment whose solution lies in an international route. The danger of terrorism can only be overcome through concerted and coordinated action, and this is the only way the international community can create a safer and fairer world for future generations to live in. The age of trivial lip service is gone; now is the age of action.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author. They do not represent the views, beliefs, or policies of the Stratheia.