Pakistan’s Terrorism Threat: Navigating the Nexus of Security and Diplomacy

Muhammad Islam

The escalating terrorism in Pakistan, attributed mainly to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), has reached alarming levels, posing a significant threat to the nation’s security and stability. Since the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021, Pakistan has witnessed a 57 percent increase in terrorist incidents. This surge can be linked to the close ties between the TTP and the Afghan Taliban, who view the TTP activities within Pakistan as an internal matter, allowing the TTP to operate with impunity. Adding to this complexity, the porous borders and weak immigration controls have provided opportunities for criminal and extremist elements, including those from the TTP, to exploit the situation.

The presence of over 1.7 million undocumented Afghan refugees in Pakistan further amplifies these security concerns, as some refugees are involved in illegal activities, contributing to rising crime rates.
Caretaker Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti said on Tuesday that “14 out of 24” suicide bombings this year were carried out by Afghan nationals, Nearly 4.4 million Afghan refugees live in Pakistan more than 1.7 million residents here illegally the UNHCR says 1.3 million Afghan refugees live in Pakistan, 50 percent of whom are in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province and 24 percent in Balochistan, majority of attacks occurring in the northwestern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the southwestern province of Balochistan, both of which border Afghanistan Afghan Taliban is giving safe harbor to fighters belonging to the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which is ideologically aligned with the Afghan Taliban, TTP has close links to Afghanistan as a haven to launch attacks into Pakistan.

The Pakistani government has initiated measures to combat terrorism, including the Anti-terror Act 1997, the formation of NACTA, the Anti-terrorism Act Amendment 2013, the Pakistan Protection Ordinance 2014, the National Internal Security Policy 2014, the National Action Plan 2015, Anti-terror act amended in 2020, revision of national action security council act 2020, United Nation security council act 2020, revision of national action plan 2021, National security policy 2022 also bolstering security along the Afghan border and launching military operations against TTP hideouts in the northwest. However, the TTP’s resilience demands ongoing efforts to neutralize this threat.

The Pakistani government has undertaken robust measures to enhance security along the Afghan border and implement policies aimed at curbing the influx of undocumented Afghan refugees. These initiatives are specifically designed to disrupt Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan’s (TTP) ability to seek haven and garner support across the border, thereby mitigating the security threats within the country. However, the challenges faced in this endeavor are intricate and multifaceted. The TTP has displayed remarkable adaptability, allowing it to respond effectively to changing circumstances. Moreover, its ability to unite various militant factions under a common agenda has further complicated counterterrorism efforts.
The bolstering of security measures along the Afghan border involves a comprehensive approach, including increased border patrols, surveillance technology deployment, and intelligence-sharing agreements with neighboring countries. These strategies aim to create a robust defense mechanism, making it difficult for militants, especially TTP members, to infiltrate or operate within Pakistani territory. Simultaneously, policies addressing the undocumented Afghan refugee influx are being reinforced, focusing on stringent border checks, verification procedures, and repatriation efforts in collaboration with international organizations.

Despite these efforts, the situation remains intricate due to the TTP’s ability to adapt its tactics and alliances swiftly. The group’s resilience is evidenced by its capacity to regroup, reorganize, and recruit new members even in the face of intensified security measures. The TTP’s adeptness in uniting disparate factions underscores the necessity for a nuanced approach, encompassing intelligence-driven operations, community engagement, and international cooperation. Achieving lasting success against the TTP requires not only stringent border controls and refugee policies but also a deeper understanding of the group’s dynamics, its sources of funding and recruitment, and the social, economic, and political factors that contribute to its resilience.

Pakistan has implemented stricter immigration policies, including the expulsion of undocumented Afghan migrants and refugees. This policy is aimed at disrupting the link between the TTP and Afghanistan, making it harder for militants to find refuge and support across the border. By tightening border controls and expelling Afghan nationals residing illegally, Pakistan intends to break the operational network between the TTP and its supporters in Afghanistan. Pakistan needs to adopt a long-term perspective in addressing the terrorism threat and illegal refugee crisis. Regardless of Pakistan’s response, the evolution of the terrorism threat within Pakistan will depend on the situation in Afghanistan. A sustainable solution requires a holistic approach that encompasses diplomatic, political, and security dimensions.

Stricter border controls are necessary to prevent the cross-border movement of militants, which will further reduce the TTP’s operational capabilities. Strict immigration policies might serve as a short-term measure to disrupt the TTP’s activities, but a sustainable solution requires a multifaceted approach. Diplomatic efforts, intelligence-sharing, and cooperation between Pakistan and Afghanistan are essential to address the root causes of terrorism. Striking a balance between security imperatives and humanitarian considerations is crucial. Additionally, international support and collaboration are indispensable in addressing the complex challenges posed by terrorism and fostering lasting peace and stability in the region.

The writer is a student of International Relations.