By Olawale Abaire, Warrior Editorial Fellow
The United States has reiterated its unwavering support for Pakistan’s efforts in combating terrorism, recognizing the profound toll that terrorist activities have taken on the Pakistani populace. During a press briefing at the US State Department, spokesperson Matthew Miller emphasized the collaborative efforts between the US and Pakistan.
When questioned about US support for Pakistan’s operations against terrorist groups like the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in Afghanistan, Miller affirmed, “Pakistan and the US share a mutual interest in addressing threats to regional security. We collaborate with various Pakistani civilian entities and maintain regular communication with the Government of Pakistan.” He also highlighted the importance of annual high-level dialogues in strengthening these efforts.
Pakistan’s Defense Minister, Khawaja Muhammad Asif, has asserted the country’s ongoing commitment to anti-terrorism operations, particularly targeting groups in Afghanistan. Asif stated, “The airstrikes are directed at groups that Pakistan alleges have been attacking its security forces and civilians.” This stance underscores Pakistan’s determination to neutralize threats emanating from across its borders.
Despite the Taliban’s insistence that the TTP issue is an internal matter for Pakistan, Islamabad has consistently accused the Taliban of providing sanctuary to TTP militants. The complex dynamics between these groups and the regional impact on security remain a significant concern.
The latest report by the Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) in Islamabad revealed alarming statistics for the second quarter of 2024. At least 380 people, including civilians and security personnel, were killed and 220 injured in 240 terrorist incidents and operations in Pakistan. The report identified Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan as the primary centers of these violent incidents, accounting for about 92 percent of deaths and 87 percent of terrorist acts during this period. However, it also noted a 12 percent decrease in overall violence compared to the first quarter of 2024.
The report highlighted the significant impact on security personnel, with 65 soldiers, including an army captain, and numerous police officers, including two DSPs, losing their lives in various attacks. This grim reality underscores the persistent and evolving threats faced by Pakistan’s security forces.
The re-emergence of the Taliban in Afghanistan has intensified these challenges. Despite assurances from the Taliban administration that Afghan soil would not be used for attacks against Pakistan, the TTP has continued to carry out multiple attacks within Pakistan. This ongoing threat has led to Pakistani airstrikes targeting TTP hideouts in Afghanistan, escalating tensions between the two countries.
According to Stratheia, a Margalla Policy Digest, the Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch emphasized the importance of Afghanistan honoring its assurances that its territory would not be used for terrorist activities against Pakistan. “Afghanistan has given assurances that its soil will not be used against any country, including Pakistan,” Baloch stated, underscoring the need for concrete actions to prevent cross-border terrorism.
While Pakistan’s renewed military operations and international collaborations underscore its commitment to combating terrorism, the security landscape remains highly complex. The intertwined threats from TTP, Baloch separatists, and IS-K, coupled with regional geopolitical dynamics, demand sustained and multifaceted efforts to achieve lasting stability.
