OVER the past quarter century, Pakistan has paid a staggering toll in lives lost to terrorism. Therefore, today, as the world observes the International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism, the state must pledge to root out the scourge of violent extremism, and continue to care for the families of the victims.

From 2001, when America’s so-called war on terror began, till 2022, terrorism in Pakistan claimed at least 83,000 lives. From 2022 till the present, several thousand lives have been added to this grim tally, due to the ongoing terrorist activities in the country, which picked up pace after the Afghan Taliban’s takeover of Kabul in 2021.

Cumulatively, over the course of these 25 years, terrorists have struck mosques and churches, bazaars and processions, schools and madressahs. It took several military operations to quell the post-2001 wave of terrorism, especially as terrorist attacks increased in frequency from 2007 onwards. Today, we find ourselves back to square one, as a new generation of terrorists wreaks havoc across the land.

Much has been written about counterterrorism strategies; but keeping with the theme of the day — ‘Healing through Memory’ — we must never forget those who were martyred or injured in acts of terrorism. One way of doing so would be for the state to ensure that the next of kin of victims of terrorism, whether security personnel or civilians, are looked after financially.

The state does announce Shuhada packages, and it should be ensured that assistance is offered in a transparent and dignified manner. Victims who are injured, or left permanently disabled and thus unable to work, need to be looked after.

Apart from the financial aspect, victims of terrorism and their families need to be offered professional psychological support to expedite mental recovery. Above all else, to honour the memory of victims, the state must vow to permanently uproot the menace of terrorism from Pakistan.

Published in Dawn, August 21st, 2026