Terrorism remains one of the significant threats to Pakistan’s security, stability, economy, and international relations. Since 2001, being a non-NATO ally, Islamabad has been on the frontlines in the fight against terrorism, sacrificing its human and economic resources and compromising its national fabric and unity.

AI-powered predictive analytics can identify and prevent terror threats by analyzing trends, social media activity, and geospatial data.

To root out terrorist footholds and ultimately dismantle the terror organizations, Pakistan launched various military operations, including Zarb-e-Azab, Rah-e-Raast, Raah-e-Nijat, Raad-ul-Fasaad, and Azm-e-Istehkam, resultantly experiencing a relative decline in terrorist attacks and temporary peace.

Nonetheless, since the Taliban takeover of Kabul in August 2021, Islamabad has been suffering a resurgence in cross-border terrorist activities. As per the recent UN report, Tehreek-e-Taliban (TTP), one of the most lethal terrorist groups under the patronage of the Taliban government, has substantially increased the intensity and lethality of its operations against Pakistan.

As per some estimates, TTP attacked Pakistan 573 times in 2021 and 1203 times in 2023, with an upward trajectory in 2024. Pakistan constantly demanded the Taliban take decisive action against the TTP operatives so that the security situation could be improved in its adjacent areas to Afghanistan.

Artificial intelligence has gained prominence in counterterrorism operations with its impressive capacity to carry out complex tasks and process data. Pakistan’s traditional counterterrorism tactics are failing to eliminate terrorist outfits, which are leveraging decentralized and adaptive strategies.

This is where AI can assist Pakistan in dismantling terrorism while making a transformative impact. AI applications can revolutionize the war against terrorism by rapidly analyzing data and real-time response mechanisms with predictive insights.

Facial recognition and biometric systems can bolster security efforts in high-risk areas like FATA and Balochistan.

Pakistan can apply AI technology in several critical areas, such as data analysis from CCTV cameras, social media platforms, and communication networks to detect malevolent activities and tendencies.

The power of AI could be used in facial recognition technologies to track and dismantle the movements of known suspects, even in crowded spaces. China has successfully employed facial recognition technology to trace and track COVID-19 carriers, as well as trace and neutralize the potential terrorists in its Xinjiang region.

More specifically, Israel is consistently deploying facial recognition technologies at checkpoints in Gaza, scanning the faces of Palestinians passing through and detaining anyone on the speculations of ties to Hamas. For some time, Israel has been using facial recognition technologies to develop a massive database of Palestinians that is employed to restrict their movement and carry out mass surveillance.

Pakistan has also been employing facial recognition technology in the Safe City Project in Islamabad and Lahore; however, expanding such initiatives to other significant cities and high-risk areas such as FATA and Balochistan will significantly bolster the state’s counter-terrorism efforts.

Facial recognition technology employed at cross-border entry points and other adjacent regions that are significant for cross-border movement will help the security forces identify and catch potential risks. In addition, it will help law enforcement agencies develop a database of individuals affiliated with terrorist organizations that pose significant threats to national security.

As part of AI technologies, predictive analytics can entirely transform Pakistan’s counter-terrorism strategies. Law enforcement agencies can implement proficient methods to identify and prevent threats by analyzing vast datasets, including scrutinizing historical trends in terror-related activities, social media scanning, geospatial information, and financial transactions.

AI technologies will help law enforcement agencies to spare resources to identify high-risk areas, intercept terrorist incidents, and stop terror funding. Furthermore, predictive analytics can be used to develop early warning strategies for counter-radicalization and targeted interventions for implementing such strategies. In short, predictive analytics can entirely revolutionize Pakistan’s counter-terrorism warfare to manage diverse security challenges and optimize resource allocation.

Drone surveillance and installing biometric systems at entry points in KP and Balochistan can revolutionize Pakistan’s security and intelligence operations. AI-enabled biometric systems can recognize persons through iris scans, facial recognition, and fingerprint analysis. The automation of population movements will flag known militants and suspicious individuals while reducing the workload of deputed staff at the border crossing points.

AI-driven tools can counter digital terrorism, detecting extremist propaganda and misinformation targeting Pakistan’s youth.

AI-powered drones will have the capacity to carry out real-time surveillance over the most challenging terrain of KP and Balochistan while avoiding the physical deployment of security personnel. AI-powered drones are purpose-built with the capability to detect malevolent activities and find terrorist hideouts for effective and swift response by law enforcement agencies. It is safe to claim that AI-powered drones and biometric systems will significantly improve the security and stability in most restive regions of FATA and Balochistan while reducing the financial costs of force deployment.

Besides direct terror threats, Pakistan is also facing the rise of online or digital terrorism. In recent years, the country has witnessed massive content targeting state institutions and leadership. Anti-state organizations and terror groups are using social media to proliferate and propagate their ideologies while adversely damaging national unity and cohesion. They are specifically targeting the youth, who make up the most significant chunk of Pakistan’s population, having some grievances about rising living costs and complaining about unemployment.

Pakistan can combat digital terrorism and safeguard its youth through the practical application of AI-powered tools. Such technologies will automatically scan and detect extremist propaganda, incitement to violence, and recruitment calls through tracking radicalization trends, sentiment analysis, and identifying high-risk persons. Islamabad can also employ AI tools trained in natural language processing (NLP) to detect secure communications and identify cyber threat patterns for timely and decisive responses. AI technologies will also demystify misinformation and help spread counter-narratives to fight extremist ideologies.

The use of AI technologies is appealing in counter-terror warfare, nonetheless it carries high risks and challenges. Pakistan faces the most pressing financial challenges of its history, which makes it difficult for the government to allocate resources for AI technology development. Over the years, poor economic management, imbalance of payments, and dependence on external financing have drained the economy, ultimately leaving minimum resources for technological innovation.

In addition, the skilled labor force with ultimate command and knowledge of AI technologies is another pressing challenge for Pakistan. University graduates are not trained in a manner to compete in a dynamic market, compounding the existing challenges. Third, human rights and advocacy groups have raised concerns about AI technology’s data privacy and ethical usage.

Allegations have been raised about the big tech companies in advanced nations for the sale and illegal use of users’ data, compromising the safety and freedom of individuals. Pakistan can also face the same accusations because of the absence of transparent regulations about data safety and trained human resources.

Fourth, allegations have been raised about AI algorithms for biased analysis and discrimination against individuals. Israel is accused of such analysis where AI algorithms identified individuals as a potential risk despite their known innocence by the security forces.

Keeping in view of the AI-related challenges, Pakistan must ensure neutrality, transparency, and integrity while applying such technologies in its counter-terror warfare. Public-private partnerships are imperative for accelerated research and innovation in AI technologies, as the partnership can alleviate financial challenges and bring in skilled workforce, ensuring transformative change in Pakistan’s science and technology domain.

In addition, Pakistan should also draft a transparent regulatory framework guaranteeing the fundamental human rights and ethical use of AI tools for national development, including the fight against terrorism. The country also invests in the capacity development of its individuals involved in AI-related affairs.

AI-driven tools can counter digital terrorism, detecting extremist propaganda and misinformation targeting Pakistan’s youth.

The capacity development could be achieved through partnering with higher education institutions and international tech organizations, as universities and tech organizations are the leading force in tech breakthroughs.

AI technologies present a promising future for Pakistan’s journey towards peace and stability. The future of Pakistan’s stability and war against terror hinges upon collaboration, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to balancing citizens’ rights and security. With such an agenda, Pakistan can build a secure and equitable future for its citizens.

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.