The country is facing a severe terrorism wave once again, and this issue requires urgent international intervention and collaboration. Over the recent years, terror organizations based in Afghanistan have been conducting an increasing number of attacks within Pakistan. According to security reports, the number of terrorist incidents occurring in the country in 2025 alone was almost 700, which is quite alarming compared to the number of incidents in the past years. Over 1,000 lives were lost, both of ordinary citizens and security personnel, and more than 1,000 were injured. They are not just statistics. They are broken families, fear-stricken communities, and a whole country with a heavy emotional and physical burden.
Most of these attacks have been directed to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. The fact that violence is concentrated in these border areas is a clear indication of the direct relationship between instability in Afghanistan and the terrorism explosion within Pakistan. The threat has become a daily reality to the people living in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Pakistan needs to take a firm action to eliminate these networks and bring peace and security to all citizens.
The year 2026 started with a number of tragic events. In Bannu, a suicide attack on security personnel was devastating and many of the Frontier Constabulary members were killed or injured. Kohat, DSP Asad Mahmood was martyred in the line of duty in Shakardara. Several police officers were injured or killed in another suicide blast in Bhakkar.
These were not just random acts of violence. They were well coordinated to instill fear and destroy the spirit of the nation. What hurts them more is the fact that some of them happened on the sacred month of Ramadan where one is supposed to contemplate, have peace, and show compassion to others. The fact that the strike was made on these holy days shows that there is no regard to the actual teachings of Islam and the value of human beings. It is very tragic and very disturbing to turn a month of mercy into a season of bloodshed, particularly against people who safeguard the people.
These attacks have been openly claimed by the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (FAK) also known as Fitna al Khawarij (FAK). Pakistani officials have severally claimed that these groups take safe haven in Afghanistan and operate out of the country. The frequency and intensity of cross-border terrorism have risen drastically since the political changes in Afghanistan in 2021.
Pakistan and Afghanistan have a rugged border that is very hard to secure fully and the border is 2,600 kilometres long. Militants are still finding their way across the fences and improved security. The Pakistani government has been calling on Afghan authorities on several occasions to ensure that its territory is not used to launch attacks on Pakistan. This is a fundamental requirement: no nation can afford to use its soil to wage war on a neighbour.
Such recurrent infractions have caused a lot of tension and severe security dilemmas between the two countries. Pakistan has been patient, and has sought diplomatic solutions, yet the incessant attacks are pushing the patience of the former to the limit. The ongoing activities of the FAK on the Afghan soil have turned out to be a threat that cannot be sustained.
The price of this terrorism is enormous. Security personnel constituted a significant proportion of the casualties in the year 2025. It is the police officers and soldiers who are on the front line day in and day out and have to deal with militant violence to defend the rest of the country.
In Bannu and other districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the law enforcers acted on over a hundred terrorist attacks in one year. Numerous gallant officers and soldiers sacrificed their lives so that people could live in peace. Their bravery and devotion are to be held in the highest esteem.
Civilians suffer equally. Markets, mosques, and mass meetings have been targeted and they are left behind with bereaved families and terrified communities. Terrorism is indiscriminate; it mutilates the nation.
The fact that the militants are trying to disguise their violence as a religious one is one of the most disturbing issues about these attacks. The real Islam does not allow the killing of innocent people and enlightens about justice, mercy, and respect to all human life. The faith does not condone suicide bombings and attacks on civilians. This is also true of the Pashtun traditions which focus on honour, hospitality and the security of communities. The extremists are not Islam and not the culture of Pashtun; they are just extremism, lust to power, and fear.
Terrorism is not only an issue of security to the government, but it is a menace to all citizens, irrespective of the province, background, and profession. It is only possible to conquer it when the whole country unites and tackles the problem.
Pakistan has previously won the battle against terrorism by the joint efforts of the military, police, and the common people. The security forces require not equipment and strategy only, but the complete moral and practical backing of the people. When the country is united, the nation becomes stronger, the citizens have more confidence and the terrorists are sent a clear message that fear is not going to win. By the leaders, the media and the society speaking with one voice against terrorism, the extremists are left with no room to conceal or recruit.
The drastic increase in terrorist attacks is a serious problem to Pakistan. The figures are grim and behind each figure is actual human misery. However, such threats have been encountered and overcome by Pakistan in the past.
Terrorism can be overcome again through true national solidarity, unwavering backing of the people who protect the nation, and decisive and concerted action. Even with external assistance, a small team cannot win over a united nation.
This is a defining moment. The security of the nation, the pride of the citizens and the safety of every citizen should be the top priority. Pakistan can have a peaceful and successful future with the determination and strength of the people. The country is greatest when the citizens unite.
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