The resurgence of Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has escalated cross-border security concerns for Pakistan. The group’s increasing attacks from Afghanistan have placed immense pressure on Pakistan’s security infrastructure. The TTP, designated as a terrorist organization by Pakistan, has leveraged its safe havens in Afghanistan to launch coordinated assaults on military and civilian targets within Pakistan. One of the major concerns for Islamabad is the Afghan Taliban’s alleged provision of shelter and logistical support to TTP militants. Despite repeated assurances from Kabul that Afghan soil will not be used against any country, evidence suggests that TTP leaders continue to operate freely within Afghanistan. Pakistani intelligence agencies have intercepted communication between TTP commanders and their handlers based in Afghanistan, indicating direct coordination in attacks against Pakistani security forces.

This has further strained relations between the two neighbouring countries. Attacks on Pakistani military posts along the Pak-Afghan border have intensified in recent months, forcing Pakistan to launch military operations in response. These cross-border incursions highlight the security vacuum in Afghanistan, which has allowed militant groups to regroup and strengthen their operational capacity. The porous nature of the Pak-Afghan border further complicates counterterrorism efforts, as militants exploit the challenging terrain to infiltrate Pakistan undetected.

In response, Pakistan has increased border fortification, constructed additional security checkpoints, and deployed additional troops along the border. However, counterterrorism efforts remain an uphill battle without effective cooperation from Afghanistan. The lack of an effective border management mechanism enables militants to evade security forces and carry out attacks with relative impunity. The growing security challenge posed by the TTP has prompted Pakistan to enhance intelligence-sharing mechanisms with regional and global partners. However, diplomatic engagements with Afghanistan have yielded little progress, as the Afghan Taliban continues to deny the presence of TTP militants within its territory. Pakistan’s attempts to persuade the Taliban to take action against the TTP have met with resistance, further deepening the trust deficit between the two governments.
While TTP operations remain a pressing concern, the re-emergence of Al-Qaida in Afghanistan has added another layer of complexity to Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts. Intelligence reports confirm the establishment of at least eight new Al-Qaida training camps across Afghanistan, indicating the group’s resurgence in the region. These camps serve as recruitment and training hubs for militants preparing for regional and global operations.
One facility in particular is reported to specialize in training suicide bombers, with a primary focus on supporting TTP operations against Pakistan. The presence of such facilities has heightened concerns about the increasing capabilities of terrorist groups operating in Afghanistan. Moreover, Al-Qaida’s renewed activities have raised fears about an uptick in terrorist financing and recruitment, further destabilizing the region.

Al-Qaida’s deep rooted ties with the Afghan Taliban have also complicated regional security dynamics. Despite the Taliban’s assurances to the international community that they will not allow terrorist groups to operate from Afghanistan, reports suggest otherwise. The continued presence of Al-Qaida and its collaboration with TTP indicate a resurgence of jihadist networks, which pose a significant threat to Pakistan and other regional states.
Pakistan’s security agencies have been actively working to neutralize Al-Qaida-linked threats. Over the past year, Pakistani authorities have thwarted multiple Al-Qaida-led plots targeting high-profile locations, including government buildings, military installations, and foreign diplomatic missions. These efforts have demonstrated Pakistan’s commitment to counterterrorism, but the persistence of militant safe havens in Afghanistan remains a major obstacle. Beyond TTP and Al-Qaida, the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISIS-K) remains a formidable security challenge for Pakistan. The group’s operations in Afghanistan and Pakistan have intensified in recent years, with a focus on targeting security forces, religious minorities, and foreign entities.

In March 2025, Pakistani authorities, with intelligence assistance from the United States, arrested Mohammad Sharifullah, an ISIS commander linked to the 2021 Kabul airport bombing. His capture underscores the persistent threat posed by ISIS-K and its ability to exploit regional instability for its operations. The arrest also highlights the importance of intelligence collaboration in dismantling terrorist networks operating across borders.
Pakistan’s counterterrorism agencies have made significant progress in curbing ISIS-K activities within its borders. In the past year alone, over 400 suspected militants affiliated with various extremist groups have been apprehended. Many of those detained were actively planning attacks on critical infrastructure and security installations.

One of the key challenges in countering ISIS-K is its decentralized operational structure, which allows it to maintain sleeper cells across major urban centres. Intelligence-led operations remain the cornerstone of Pakistan’s counterterrorism strategy, with security agencies focused on dismantling these cells before they can execute large-scale attacks.
The persistent threats posed by TTP, Al-Qaida, and ISIS-K necessitate a comprehensive and multi-faceted counterterrorism strategy. Pakistan has ramped up intelligence-led operations, increased border security, and enhanced collaboration with international partners to combat the evolving threat landscape. However, the challenges remain formidable. The presence of militant safe havens in Afghanistan, coupled with the Afghan Taliban’s reluctance to take decisive action against these groups, continues to hinder Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts. The porous nature of the Pak-Afghan border further complicates security measures, allowing militants to launch cross-border attacks with ease. To effectively address these challenges, Pakistan needs to enhance border security. Strengthening border management mechanisms, including deploying advanced surveillance technology, can help curb militant infiltration.

Strengthen Counterterrorism Cooperation, engaging with regional and global allies to enhance intelligence-sharing and joint operations can improve counterterrorism outcomes.
Increase Diplomatic Pressure on Afghanistan, sustained diplomatic efforts, including leveraging international forums, can push the Afghan Taliban to take concrete action against TTP and other militant groups. Disrupt Terrorist Financing Networks, cracking down on illicit financial networks that fund terrorist organizations will limit their operational capabilities. Bolster Domestic Counterterrorism Measures, investing in counter-radicalization programs, community engagement initiatives, and intelligence capabilities can help mitigate the long-term threat of militancy.

Pakistan’s security landscape remains precarious as militant groups continue to exploit regional instability. While counterterrorism efforts have yielded notable successes, the persistence of cross-border militancy highlights the urgent need for a coordinated and sustained response. Without decisive action from Afghanistan, the threat posed by TTP, Al-Qaida, and ISIS-K will continue to challenge Pakistan’s security and stability.