Pakistan Terrorism, Bomb Blast Aftermath

The Recent Wave of Terrorism in Pakistan: Rising Incidents in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan

In recent days, there has been a significant rise in terrorism-related incidents in Pakistan. Bomb blasts, suicide attacks, and targeted killings are increasing daily, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. The resurgence of terrorism in these regions has raised serious concerns.

Recent Terrorist Incidents

The recent incidents in Panjgur and Noshki have been alarming. Earlier, the attack in Kech was another wake-up call at the national level. In Noshki and Panjgur, terrorists targeted Frontier Corps (FC) headquarters. Prior to this, terrorist attacks in Lahore and Rawalpindi also created fear that Pakistan might be heading back to a time when such incidents were a daily occurrence.

Possible Causes

Afghanistan’s Situation

After the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, it was widely believed that Pakistan would gain better control over terrorism. The assumption was that the Afghan Taliban government would not provide refuge to Pakistani terrorists, and Afghan soil would no longer be used for anti-Pakistan activities. However, that has not been the case. The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) remains active in Afghanistan and continues to pose a threat to Pakistan.

Economic Crisis

Poverty in Pakistan has increased significantly. According to the latest figures from the World Bank, the poverty rate has risen from 34.2% to 39.3% within a year. This means that 95 million people in Pakistan are struggling to meet their basic needs. Rising unemployment and economic hardship can push frustrated youth toward extremist groups.

Political Instability

Pakistan’s democratic ranking has seen a sharp decline in recent years. According to the Economist Intelligence Unit, in 2024, Pakistan scored only 2.84 points and was ranked 124th globally, categorizing it as an authoritarian regime. Electoral fraud, divisive politics, and unrest have contributed to national instability.

Situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan are the most affected provinces in terms of terrorism. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 40% of the population lives below the poverty line. Ongoing insecurity and terrorism have weakened the province’s economy. Nearly a thousand small and large factories have shut down, leaving thousands unemployed.

Suicide Bombing, Emergency Response, War on Terror

Possible Solutions

1. Implementation of the National Action Plan: After the APS attack, all political leaders jointly formulated the National Action Plan (NAP), which played a key role in defeating terrorism. The current situation demands a renewed and strict implementation of this plan.

2. Economic Reforms: Addressing unemployment and poverty through economic reforms and job creation is crucial.

3. Educational and Social Programs: Engaging the youth in constructive educational and social programs can prevent them from being influenced by extremist ideologies.

4. Political Stability: All political parties must work together to restore public trust in the democratic system and ensure national stability.

Conclusion

The recent wave of terrorism in Pakistan is alarming, driven by economic, political, and regional factors. The situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan is particularly critical. To counter these threats, a comprehensive strategy involving the National Action Plan, economic reforms, and political stability is essential to steer Pakistan back toward peace and security.