Since the 1990s, Pakistan has demonstrated strong resolve against terrorism. The country has launched many successful operations to counter militancy. Pakistan’s Armed Forces and civilians are united in the fight against terror. Islamabad has firmly stated that state agencies will respond decisively to any militant threat. This article provides a ground reality check on Pakistan’s war on terror.
FAK Resurgence
With the Afghan Taliban’s return to Afghanistan, Fitna al-Khwarij (FAK) was revived. The ceasefire collapse led to a rise in militant attacks in Pakistan in 2022. The country immediately launched counter-terrorism operations. Intelligence operations and police raids were conducted in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and beyond. DG-ISPR Maj. Gen. Ahmed Sharif said there is “irrefutable evidence” of FAK use of Afghan soil and vowed to leave “no stone unturned” against the militants.
- The collapse of the FAK ceasefire led to a surge in violence. Pakistani forces combatted this with coordinated CTD and police raids to eliminate terrorist networks.
- In July 2025, a joint Swat CTD–police operation killed three wanted FAK terrorists in Barikot. Official reports claimed that the dead militants had participated in multiple attacks on security forces.
- Sindh’s CTD also targeted FAK cells. In late July 2025, it killed three militants linked to a Karachi attack on Chinese engineers. Explosive material was recovered. These raids disabled further plots.
- By mid-2024, Pakistani forces had carried out 13,133 counter-terror operations, neutralizing 239 militants. These figures underscore how aggressively Pakistan is pursuing insurgents.
Image Credits: DAWN
Pakistan’s stance is clear. There are to be no negotiations with armed terrorists. The military emphasizes that there is no place for militants in Pakistan’s territory.
Baloch Insurgency
In Balochistan, security action is tied to economic developments. Officials claim that foreign involvement has long tried to mislead Baloch militants. Indeed, in January 2025, two separatists confessed and blamed external agencies for inciting them towards violence. Officials maintain that foreign agencies have long tried to mislead Baloch militants into violence. The mission of the State has always been the province’s progress. Islamabad claims that successive governments have focused on health, education, and infrastructure.
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- A new provincial action plan targets insurgency. Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti announced in July 2025 that terrorists “cannot hold even an inch of ground” in the province. He was willing to engage with those who wanted to rejoin society. However, he also vowed to punish killers of the innocent according to the law.
- Major infrastructure projects are transforming the province. The Gwadar International Airport was inaugurated in October 2024, with PM Shehbaz Sharif calling it a “gift” that will transform Gwadar’s economy.
- China is also developing a new deep-water port near. These CPEC projects are expected to create jobs and connectivity, undercutting militant appeals.
These measures have worked to isolate militant groups. Reports show that violence has declined in the region. Compared to the past, Baluchistan is more inclined towards development. Pakistan asserts that it will further isolate the remaining insurgents. This way, prosperity can be brought to the province.
Afghan Spillover
Any chaos in Afghanistan spills over into Pakistan. Envoy Asif Durrani has reported a 60% jump in cross-border terror attacks since 2021. Recent terror attacks have also been traced back to Afghanistan. In response, the country has tightened border security. The Afghan Taliban have also been pressured to adhere to commitments on terrorism.
- Pakistan’s frontier defenses have been strengthened. Frontier Corps and Rangers now patrol key crossings to deter militants, and any infiltrator is engaged with force.
- At the same time, refugees are being managed humanely. Millions of Afghans live in Pakistan, but 563,000 illegal foreigners had been repatriated by mid-2024 to protect security. Authorities reiterate that although they understand the refugees’ needs, their priority is state security.
- From a diplomatic stance, Pakistan demands action. Officials state that they must live with Kabul, but any threat will be met with force.
In sum, Pakistan maintains its vigilance on the frontier. It has also established a firm stance against spillover while providing refuge to millions of Afghans. This careful balance of compassion and strictness demonstrates Pakistan’s broader resilience.
State Capacity
Pakistan’s state capacity in the war on terror has seen significant improvement. Security forces have carried out coordinated and relentless attacks against militants. Under the National Action Plan (NAP), a combined effort by the military, paramilitary, police, and intelligence services has led to considerable success. Over 13,000 counter-terrorist operations have been conducted. Hundreds of militants have been killed. CTDs in KPK and Sindh have carried out precise raids against terrorist cells. The State has also increased defence spending by 20% in 2025-26. This underscores Pakistan’s commitment to modernization. Unified command structures, regular security reviews, and strong civilian-military coordination have enabled the state to respond decisively to internal and cross-border threats, proving Pakistan’s growing institutional strength and resilience.
Conclusion
Pakistan’s successes in counter-terrorism efforts underscore its resilience. Civilian life has largely returned to normal. Roads, markets, and schools operate normally and safely. Foreign visitors are also now able to visit without any fear. The country’s message is clear. With a stronger security force,s it will continue to combat terror attacks to ensure national stability. Pakistani leaders promise a peaceful future through unity and determination. While militant threats linger, Pakistan is prepared to meet them.
