THE state has failed to evolve an effective counterterrorism strategy to deal with the resurgent militant threat, with the result that the outgoing year has seen an alarming rise in terrorist attacks, and an unacceptable loss of life, particularly among security personnel.

Just days after at least 23 army men were martyred in Dera Ismail Khan in the highest casualty attack this year, five more security personnel fell in the line of duty on Friday in separate attacks in KP’s Tank and Khyber districts.

In the Tank attack, three policemen were martyred after militants stormed the local police headquarters. In Khyber, two FC men were martyred when terrorists struck a checkpoint. The fact that these attacks took place so soon after a major act of terrorism reflects a considerable security and intelligence lapse.

The area in focus — the southern part of KP and neighbouring districts in Balochistan and Punjab — has become a new hotbed of militancy, particularly after the Afghan Taliban returned to power in Kabul in 2021, though it should be remembered that this region was amongst the locations from where the banned TTP initially sprang. A new actor has emerged from the nebulous world of militancy in the form of Tehreek-i-Jihad Pakistan, believed to be a TTP front. This outfit has been involved in some of the deadliest attacks this year.

While it is true that militant groups often take on new monikers, their leadership, networks and goals remain largely the same. Therefore, CT efforts should not be distracted by names, and focus on the leaderships of these groups, their sources of funding and supplies.

The state has directed much of its wrath at the Afghan Taliban government for failing to rein in anti-Pakistan terrorists believed to be active across the Durand Line. While Kabul’s rulers certainly cannot be absolved of their duty to prevent militants from jeopardising Pakistan’s security, the responsibility for securing our territory is ours alone, and we cannot blame others for our lapses.

By all means, Kabul must be told that Afghan soil cannot be used to harbour terrorists, and diplomatic pressure should continue if the Taliban fail to deliver. But implementing an effective CT strategy is the government’s duty. It should not be forgotten that many of those involved in acts of terrorism are locals, while the socioeconomic marginalisation of the vulnerable geographic area has also fuelled radicalisation.

Therefore, a rejuvenated NAP is required to quell the violence, while longer-term efforts are needed to address the deprivation of the affected areas. Pakistan can ill afford a new full-blown militant insurgency. Unless steps are taken now to address the threat, that is exactly what stares us in the face. The caretaker set-up and the incoming government must deal with this threat resolutely.

Published in Dawn, December 17th, 2023