Rising terrorism in Pakistan

Pakistan is once again witnessing a surge in terrorism, particularly in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK). In response, the Pakistan Army has launched Operation Shaban to counter militant activities in Balochistan. According to official reports, security forces have killed at least 88 militants in joint operations across the province. While the total number of terrorists neutralized in combined has reached 126 since July 5. These developments highlight the persistence of terrorism as a critical national security challenge.

From a political science perspective, an important question arises: where did terrorism originate? Historically, the term “terrorism” was first used to describe the Reign of Terror during the French Revolution (1793-1794). This was the period marked by state-led violence against perceived enemies of the revolution. Over time, the concept has evolved to encompass non-state actors employing violence to achieve political, ideological, or religious objectives.

Pakistan, a South Asian state, has faced terrorism as a persistent challenge for decades. According to the 2026 Global Terrorism Index, Pakistan ranked on 1st number which means it is most affected state by terrorism. This is for the first time that Islamabad ranked as 1st country since the index’s inception. This alarming development reflects a sharp resurgence in militant activity, driven by shifting regional dynamics, including the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan in 2021. Additionally, the growing activities of groups such as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) have intensified security concerns. Notably, while terrorism declined between 2014 and 2019, Pakistan experienced a six fold increase in terrorist incidents in 2025.

Several militant groups continue to operate within Pakistan, each driven by distinct motivations. Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) remains one of the most prominent groups, primarily active in KPK and tribal districts. It seeks to challenge state authority and impose its interpretation of Islamic law. In Balochistan, separatist organizations such as the BLA and Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF) are engaged in insurgent activities, often targeting security forces. In addition, sectarian groups and smaller militant factions contribute to sporadic violence across the country.

According to the detailed report by Global Terrorism Index, Pakistan surpasses Burkina Faso as the country most impacted by terrorism. The number of deaths from terrorist attacks rose by nearly six per cent over the past year to 1,139.

Pakistan has experienced a significant increase in terrorist activity since the Taliban’s rise to power in Afghanistan in 2021. TTP remains the deadliest terrorist organisation in Pakistan for the fifth consecutive year. The TTP continues to escalate and evolve, carrying out attacks on security forces as well as civilians. They have been utilising new technologies, like drones to carry out targeted bombings, resulting in more casualties.

The TTP was attributed to 56 per cent of terrorism-related deaths in Pakistan in 2025. They carried out 595 attacks, resulting in 637 deaths, an increase of 13 per cent from the 555 deaths in the preceding year. The BLA was responsible for Pakistan’s largest terror attack of 2025, when a group of armed terrorists seized control of a passenger train by bombing the tracks near Quetta railway station, holding 442 people as hostages.

Reports indicate that 21 hostages, as well as four military members and 33 terrorists, were killed in the incident.The Taliban’s rise to power in Afghanistan profoundly impacted Pakistan’s security and stability. The impact of terrorism in Pakistan is multidimensional, affecting national security, economic development, and international reputation. Persistent violence has resulted in significant loss of life, destruction of infrastructure, and internal displacement. Economically, terrorism discourages foreign investment, disrupts trade and development projects such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). It forces the government to allocate substantial resources to security rather than development. Socially, it fosters fear, uncertainty, and mistrust among citizens, weakening societal unity and increasing polarization. Furthermore, ongoing instability damages Pakistan’s global image, limiting its diplomatic and economic opportunities.

The funding of these groups is complex and multifaceted. Internally, terrorist organizations generate revenue through criminal activities such as extortion, kidnapping for ransom, smuggling, and illegal resource extraction. Externally, there are persistent allegations of support from foreign actors and transnational networks seeking to advance strategic interests in the region. The porous border with Afghanistan further facilitates the movement of fighters, weapons, and financial resources. While definitive evidence regarding all funding sources remains difficult to establish, it is clear that a combination of internal vulnerabilities and external influences sustains these groups.

Conclusively, the resurgence of terrorism carries profound implications for Pakistan. To effectively address terrorism, Pakistan must adopt a comprehensive and long-term strategy. While military operations like Operation Shaban are essential for immediate threat reduction. It may help sustain peace for short term but for long term it requires addressing underlying causes such as political marginalization, economic inequality, lack of education, and governance deficiencies. Strengthening border security, improving intelligence coordination, and enhancing regional diplomacy are equally important. At the same time, investment in socio-economic development, youth engagement, and counter-radicalization initiatives can help reduce the appeal of extremist ideologies. Only through a balanced approach that integrates security measures.