THIS is with reference to the report ‘17 terrorists killed amid hunt for those behind Quetta train bombing’ (June 3). The recent attack on the passenger train in Quetta highlighted the persistent and evolving nature of terrorism in Pakistan. Such incidents show that terrorism is not isolated, but a structural challenge shaped by historical legacies, governance gaps, socioeconomic inequality and regional instability. Pakistan’s security environment is, therefore, defined by both domestic vulnerabilities and cross-border influences, requiring a comprehensive response.

Modern militancy in Pakistan has deep roots in the post-Partition period, which created institutional fragility and identity-based tensions. The Afghan-Soviet war (1979-89) marked a decisive turning point, as Pakistan became a frontline state in a global proxy conflict. This led to the proliferation of armed groups and the normalisation of militant networks. After 2001, regional instability intensified further. Militants, displaced fighters, and extremist ideologies spread across the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, merging with local grievances and pro-ducing hybrid insurgent structures that are both locally embedded and transnational.

Terrorism in Pakistan is driven by both external and internal factors. Externally, regional conflicts, porous borders and proxy dynamics enable militant movement and ideological spread. Internally, weak governance, political instability, sectarian divisions and socioeconomic inequality create conditions for extremist recruitment.

Peripheral regions are especially vulnerable due to limited state presence. Governance vacuums allow non-state actors to establish parallel systems of influence, offering informal justice and order, which increases their local legitimacy.

A major driver of radicalisation is the perceived failure of the state to deliver justice and services. Delayed courts, un-equal development and selected account-ability contribute to public alienation. Extremist groups exploit these grievances by presenting themselves as alternative providers of justice, identity and protection.

Radicalisation is multidimensional, involving ideological indoctrination, poverty, exclusion and cycles of grievance and revenge. These factors reinforce one another, making prevention complex and long-term.

Terrorism in Pakistan has shifted from externally influenced proxy violence to a largely internal insurgency targeting civilians and state institutions. Extremist narratives complicate the situation by undermining state legitimacy while justifying violence as a political tool. Past inconsistencies in dealing with militant actors have also created ideo-logical ambiguity that extremists continue to exploit.

International models offer useful gui-dance. The United States’ 4D strategy focuses on defeating networks, denying safe havens, diminishing ideological appeal and defending security. The United Kingdom’s 4P strategy emphasises prevention, pursuit of offenders, protection of infrastructure, and preparing insti-tutional resilience. For Pakistan, an effective response must be multidimen-sional. Politically, it requires institutional strengthening, judicial reform, policy continuity and improved governance, especially in marginalised regions.

Socioeconomically, reducing inequality, expanding education, improving services and creating youth employment are essential. On the security side, stronger intelligence coordination, professional law enforcement, improved border management, and enhanced counter-terrorism capacity are critical. Ideo-logically, curriculum reform, regulated religious education, sectarian harmony, and counter-narratives are necessary to reduce extremist influence.

The Quetta train attack reflects the continuing complexity of Pakistan’s internal security challenges. Terrorism is sustained by historical, structural and ideological factors. While military action remains necessary for immediate response, it is insufficient on its own. Long-term stability depends on stronger governance, effective justice, reduced inequality, and improved social cohesion.

Lt-Col (retd) Syed Raziuddin
Rawalpindi

Published in Dawn, June 30th, 2026