An increased threat of terrorism recently prompted US citizens to be warned that they should consider not traveling at all to Pakistan and in addition to think twice before traveling in the provinces KPK and Baluchistan. It highlights that the major security threats in these regions are due to the cross border terrorism that trickle in from Afghanistan.
In addition, various militant groups using Afghan soil for attacking Pakistan have played its part in worsening the security situation there. The issue about of terrorism also demands greater international cooperation among countries to achieve stability at the region.
Unchecked movement of TTP and BLA from Afghanistan has worsened Pakistan’s security challenges.
Resumption of terrorism in Pakistan is because of unchecked movement of groups like TTP and BLA. These organizations have taken refuge in Afghanistan and its instability has helped them ferret in, plan and have these attacks across the border. Moreover, Pakistan has a hard job to keep its own land secure and remained within the boundaries, and the Taliban regime is allied with these elements of anti-state, and their cultivation leads to further violence. In addition to putting civilians’ lives at stake, it has become a serious test for law enforcement agencies which are trying to fight these menaces.
Nevertheless, Pakistan has stubbornly persisted in its counter-terrorism campaign. The country, over the years, has been very key to the global War on Terror as it has cracked and completely dismantled many terrorist networks, not to allow any extremist group to take root in its territory.
How much Pakistan has sacrificed in this fight is immense: thousands of soldiers, thousands of civilians killed in this fight. All of these have been so widely recognized on the international platforms which is the embodiment of Pakistan’s commitment towards regional as well as global peace. These efforts still suffer the persistence of cross border terrorism that has continued to stymie the fight, hence a stronger course of action is required to prevail against it.
The analysis of the US travel advisory illustrates the necessity to heighten regional cooperation in the fight against terrorism. The region has always been troubling ground for cross border terrorist activities and group like TTP and BLA are exploiting the Afghanistan’s bad governance to operate freely.
These militant groups inside Afghanistan have repeatedly raised the hackles of Pakistan and have been badgering the country to take joint action against them. However, due to the lack of intense border control and international pressure on Afghanistan, these elements could have well maintained their existence, which makes trouble feel in continuous nature in Pakistan’s border region.
In the light of the current gravity of the situation, the US should take a more proactive role, in the sense of pressuring Afghanistan not to allow its soil to be used as launch pad of terrorist activities against Pakistan and other neighboring countries. It is good that the US government recognizes the TTP and its affiliate BLA as serious security threats.
However, such a recognition must be followed by concrete steps to compel Afghanistan to break ties with these insurgent groups and act against their sanctuaries. Pakistan, Afghanistan and the international community should work on that together and diplomatic efforts should be made to ensure that Pakistan, Afghanistan cooperate with each other and the international community to eliminate terrorism from the region.
Pakistan has sacrificed immensely in counterterrorism, dismantling networks, and preventing extremist strongholds.
Participation of Indian proxies in Afghanistan is another issue that calls for attention. Credible reports have been received that the Indian intelligence agencies are quite actively indulging in support to the anti-Pakistan elements in Afghanistan. The country has advanced its security apparatus, enhanced intelligence sharing mechanisms and conducted extensive military operations to break terrorist hideouts.
Also, efforts such as Operation Zarb-e-Azb and Operation Radd ul Fasaad have scored at energy points, with institution of terrorists inside Pakistan going down in the single digits. However, the evolving nature of terrorism necessitates continuous vigilance and adaptive strategies to counter emerging threats.
To put it simply, the US travel advisory is a reminder that terrorism as a problem is a constant and it needs constant and collective approaches. Regional stakeholders must put political differences aside and place highest on the security cooperation.
With the extensive experience it has in countering terrorism operations, Pakistan can lead these efforts as long as international support is provided. The Pakistan and the US, as well as other partners around the world, collaboration can lead to a more secure and stable South Asia.
Strengthening intelligence-sharing, military operations, and diplomatic engagement is crucial to counter evolving security threats.
From this moment onwards, border security measures must be strengthened, intelligence sharing mechanisms should be further enhanced, and targeted operations against terrorists operating in Afghanistan must be executed.
Yet, diplomatic engagement with Afghan authorities ought to be furthered so that terrorist factions are not permitted safe havens. Second, the international organizations, such as the United Nations, should also be used to encourage policy changes that restrict state sponsored terrorism and to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
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.
