Following the departure of foreign military personnel from Afghanistan and the formation of an interim government in August 2021, there was optimistic anticipation for a forthcoming period of tranquility and progress in the area. Both Pakistan and Afghanistan were expected to gain advantages from this newfound stability. Nevertheless, the actual situation has significantly deviated from these anticipations, especially for Pakistan, which has seen a sharp increase in cross-border terrorist occurrences.

The Pakistani government and security services have constantly identified the proscribed Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) as the main perpetrator of these terrorist actions. The TTP, now taking shelter in Afghanistan, is suspected of masterminding these assaults, therefore compromising the peace and security of Pakistan. As to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), there has been a significant rise in terrorism emanating from Afghanistan. Terrorists are now making regular and persistent efforts to enter Pakistan via the easily penetrable Afghan border.

The Pakistan Army has been undertaking continuous operations along the border, namely in the volatile region of Baluchistan, as a reaction to these threats. The objective of these operations is to eliminate the terrorist networks and proactively prevent any further infiltration.

For one month, a total of 29 terrorists have been eliminated because of these border operations, which serves as a clear indication of the very violent and continuous warfare in the area.

The Pakistani security forces have shown an unrelenting dedication to protecting the nation’s borders and residents, however, this devotion has come at a high cost. The troops’ sacrifices, especially the recent death of Major Babar Khan on May 14, highlight the serious dangers encountered by those at the forefront. The courage and sacrifice of Major Khan exemplify the Pakistan Army’s commitment and determination to eliminate the terrorist threat.

The ISPR has restated its expectation that the Afghan government would take resolute measures to prevent terrorists from using Afghan territory as a base for launching assaults on Pakistan. This expectation is based on the notion of maintaining positive ties between neighboring countries and showing reciprocal respect for the sovereignty of each country. Nevertheless, despite several pleas and diplomatic endeavors, including a high-level team from Pakistan providing substantial proof of these assaults to the Afghan authorities, there has been little progress in suppressing cross-border terrorism.

The ongoing nature of these assaults has been further substantiated by instances of gunfire directed at Pakistani territory and efforts to breach the security barrier along the border. These acts of hostility not only breach international rules but also present a substantial risk to Pakistan’s national security. Pakistan’s political and military leadership has continuously urged the Afghan government to take decisive measures to halt the influx of terrorists.

The main factor contributing to the ongoing terrorism in Pakistan is the haven granted to the TTP and other extremist organizations in Afghanistan. After the United States withdrew, these organizations took advantage of the power vacuum to re-establish their strongholds and reorganize.

The Afghan transitional government, now facing internal difficulties and striving to establish legitimacy and authority, has so far been unable to successfully counter these organizations or prevent them from using Afghan territory as a base for launching operations on Pakistan.

The involvement of the international community, namely neighboring nations, and major global players, in tackling this issue is of utmost significance. Ensuring regional stability is a shared obligation, and it is imperative for nations to cooperate and assist one another in the fight against terrorism. This includes the exchange of information, collaborative military activities, and synchronized diplomatic endeavors to exert pressure on the Afghan government, compelling them to adopt more robust measures against terrorist organizations operating inside their territory.

The permeable characteristic of the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, which extends across 2,600 km, presents a substantial obstacle in thwarting the transit of terrorists. Although there have been attempts to construct a barrier along the border and improve monitoring, the challenging terrain and interconnected tribal loyalties on both sides provide significant obstacles to achieving total closure of the region. The geographical circumstances need a comprehensive strategy for securing borders, which involves the use of physical barriers, modern technology, intelligence operations, and community involvement to identify and prevent terrorist activity.

Terrorism has had a significant and far-reaching effect on Pakistan, not only resulting in the loss of human lives but also causing extensive social and economic consequences. The persistent menace of terrorist attacks has placed significant pressure on the nation’s resources, redirected cash from developmental initiatives toward security expenses, and fostered an environment characterized by apprehension and ambiguity among the public.

The socio-economic progress of the impacted areas, namely Baluchistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has been significantly impeded, leading to a vicious cycle of poverty and underdevelopment that may exacerbate extremist views.

The Pakistani people and its security forces have shown impressive resilience in confronting these issues. Nevertheless, the persistent fatalities and the continued danger to the nation’s security emphasize the imperative need to discover a permanent resolution to the problem of transnational terrorism. An all-encompassing approach is necessary to tackle the immediate security issues as well as the fundamental socio-political elements that lead to the continued existence of terrorism.
Education and economic growth are crucial elements of this overarching goal. By offering educational and career prospects, we can reduce the attractiveness of extremist ideology, especially among the young who are most susceptible to radicalization. Implementing development initiatives that enhance infrastructure, healthcare, and social services in the impacted areas may fortify resistance against terrorist influences and cultivate a feeling of inclusivity and national cohesion.
Organizations such as the United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) may have a crucial impact in assisting Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts. This aid may be provided via the provision of technical support, the enhancement of the capabilities of law enforcement agencies, and the facilitation of discussions between Pakistan and Afghanistan to tackle the underlying factors contributing to cross-border terrorism.

Ultimately, the ongoing terrorism originating from Afghanistan poses a substantial risk to the stability and security of Pakistan. The continuous acts of terrorism carried out by the TTP, and other extremist organizations underscore the intricate and diverse character of this problem. To properly tackle the issues presented by cross-border terrorism, a collaborative endeavor is necessary including Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the international community. The area can only achieve permanent peace and stability by engaging in continuous collaboration, implementing strong security measures, and pursuing comprehensive socio-economic development. The courageous troops’ sacrifices and the Pakistani people’s perseverance demonstrate the nation’s steadfast dedication to conquering this threat and ensuring a peaceful future for its residents.