Resurgence of Terrorism in Pakistan: A Nation Under Siege

Jan 9

Executive Summary

Pakistan is grappling with a resurgence in terrorism, driven by the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA). Violence has escalated significantly over the past year, with 2024 marked as the deadliest year for security forces in a decade. This crisis reflects deep-rooted issues, including unresolved grievances among ethnic minorities, strained relations with Afghanistan, and challenges to Pakistan’s counter-terrorism policies. The situation is compounded by the TTP’s growing operational capabilities, enabled by the Afghan Taliban’s support, and the continued targeting of Chinese interests by insurgents in Balochistan.

Analysis

Militant violence in Pakistan has surged dramatically. The TTP, leveraging its sanctuaries in Afghanistan, has intensified attacks on Pakistani soil, targeting both security forces and civilians. In 2024, militant attacks rose by 70% compared to 2023, resulting in over 1,600 fatalities nationwide. Security personnel bore the brunt of these attacks, with 685 deaths marking a 40% increase over the previous year. These numbers highlight the extent of the threat posed by militant groups operating with impunity along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.

The TTP, emboldened by the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan, has grown stronger through access to advanced weaponry left behind by U.S. forces during their withdrawal. Pakistani intelligence reports suggest that TTP militants have used this equipment to bolster their operations. The TTP’s tactics include direct assaults on military installations, targeted killings, and high-profile bombings. The group recently warned civilians to avoid engaging with businesses operated by Pakistan’s military, signaling an intent to expand its targets.

In Balochistan, the BLA continues its separatist insurgency, targeting state infrastructure and Chinese nationals associated with the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The group’s attacks have grown more sophisticated, including suicide bombings and coordinated strikes. A recent attack at Quetta’s railway station killed 26 people and injured over 60, exemplifying the BLA’s ability to strike at will despite intensified military operations in the province.

Punjab, once considered a bastion of security, has also witnessed an uptick in terrorism. The TTP’s new wing, Ustarana, has been linked to targeted killings and attacks on police checkpoints. In January 2025, the group released videos showing militants patrolling areas in southern Punjab, underscoring its expanding influence.

Cross-border tensions with Afghanistan have exacerbated the situation. Pakistani airstrikes targeting TTP hideouts in Afghanistan have been met with fierce retaliation from the Afghan Taliban, leading to deadly exchanges and civilian displacement in border regions. Pakistan has accused the Afghan Taliban of sheltering TTP militants, while Kabul denies these claims. Recent strikes in Afghanistan’s Paktika province reportedly killed over 70 militants, though Afghan officials allege significant civilian casualties. This has further strained the fragile relationship between the two neighbors, undermining any prospects for coordinated counter-terrorism efforts.

China’s investments in Pakistan, particularly through CPEC, have become a focal point for insurgent attacks. The BLA and other militant groups view these projects as symbols of foreign exploitation. In response, Pakistan and China have intensified security collaborations, including joint military exercises and enhanced surveillance along critical infrastructure. Despite these efforts, the growing instability poses significant risks to the success of CPEC and broader regional stability.

Pakistan’s reliance on military operations to combat militancy has proven inadequate. While security forces killed over 900 militants in 2024, they suffered heavy losses in the process. Human rights abuses, including extrajudicial killings and forced disappearances, have alienated local populations, particularly in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. These grievances have fueled support for insurgent groups, further complicating Pakistan’s counter-terrorism efforts.

The socio-economic dimensions of Pakistan’s terrorism crisis cannot be ignored. Chronic underinvestment in education and healthcare, coupled with a rapidly growing population, has created fertile ground for extremism. Millions of children remain out of school, while unemployment and poverty provide a steady stream of recruits for militant organizations. These systemic issues, if left unaddressed, will continue to undermine Pakistan’s ability to achieve lasting peace and stability.