Aqeel Yousafzai
For the past several years, Pakistan’s two provinces Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan have remained under the shadow of terrorism. Attacks like the one on the Jaffar Express and others across the country have prompted security forces to become more active than ever before. Encouragingly, over the last month, a visible decline in violence has been witnessed in Balochistan, where no-go areas have been eliminated, and the frequency of attacks has significantly decreased.
This improvement is largely attributed to the cooperation between the Balochistan provincial government, the federal government, and the military establishment. In contrast, the situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa presents a starkly different picture. While April has not seen major attacks, the rise in targeted killings, abductions, and pressure tactics against political leaders, religious scholars, and civilians is alarming. These developments suggest that militant networks are evolving their tactics, shifting from large-scale assaults to individual-level intimidation and violence.
Under the 18th Constitutional Amendment, the responsibility of maintaining law and order falls squarely on provincial governments. However, the PTI-led government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has been widely criticised for its perceived leniency—if not outright administrative support—towards banned outfits such as the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Its oppositional stance against the federal government and the military establishment further complicates counter terrorism efforts in the province.
In contrast, Balochistan’s relative stability reflects the benefits of cooperation and coordination between provincial and federal authorities. This underlines the urgent need for a consistent, unified national narrative against terrorism. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s directive requiring every province to submit monthly reports on the implementation of the National Action Plan (NAP) is a step in the right direction. It reflects a broader initiative, likely spearheaded by the military establishment, to ensure accountability and progress in counter terrorism operations.
It is becoming increasingly clear that the banned outfits operating in Pakistan do not serve the interests of Islam or the nation. Instead, they pursue personal and political agendas under the guise of religion. Fortunately, the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are beginning to realize the heavy cost of tolerating such groups. The threat they pose is not abstract—it endangers the future of our children, our economy, and our homes.
History offers a compelling lesson in the form of Swat. In 2008 and 2009, when militants took control of half the region and began spreading into the Malakand Division, it was the public’s support for the security forces that made the difference. The military operation in Swat, backed by the local population, remains one of the most successful post-9/11 efforts to restore peace in the country.
Today, that spirit is being revived. In South Waziristan, the Dotani tribe has once again taken up arms against terrorists. Similarly, in Karak, Bannu, and Lakki Marwat, local tribes have begun resisting militants in response to recent attacks. These developments are not only encouraging—they are essential. The war against terrorism cannot be won by security forces alone. It requires the active participation of all stakeholders: civilians, political leaders, and tribal elders alike.
There is growing trust among the people in the counterterrorism policies of the security forces. However, the enemy remains embedded within—terrorist facilitators live among us, often coercing or pressurizing locals into collaboration. These individuals are not outsiders. If the public stands up to them, it would deal a heavy blow to their operations and greatly support our security agencies.
To defeat terrorism, unity is imperative. Political leaders, tribal heads, religious scholars, and citizens must come together on one platform with the security forces. While terrorism may not be completely eradicated overnight, united efforts can significantly reduce its impact and lay the foundation for long-term peace and stability in Pakistan.
