Barrister Usman Ali , Ph.D.
Pakistan is once again reeling under a severe wave of terrorism. From Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan to the federal capital, Islamabad, a fresh surge of militant attacks has shaken the nation to its core. The recent incidents , the attempted hostage-taking of 650 individuals, including 525 cadets, at a cadet college in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and the suicide bombing outside the District Judicial Complex in Islamabad that claimed 12 lives and left dozens injured , are a stark reminder that the enemy remains active and organized. These are not isolated acts of violence but part of a deliberate and coordinated campaign to destabilize Pakistan and spread fear and chaos.
Swift and courageous action by the security forces averted what could have been a national tragedy at Wana Cadet College. Their bravery once again proves that Pakistan’s army, police, and intelligence personnel continue to lay down their lives for the safety of the nation. Yet, the scale and persistence of these attacks serve as a painful reminder that the war against terrorism is far from over.
Pakistan has faced this challenge before , and triumphed through determination and sacrifice. The years between 2008 and 2016 saw some of the darkest days in our history, from the Army Public School tragedy to countless bombings across markets, mosques, and public places. Through major military operations such as Zarb-e-Azb and Radd-ul-Fasaad, Pakistan dismantled key militant networks and restored peace across most of the country. But the resurgence of terrorism, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and border areas, signals a dangerous shift.
Intelligence reports and official sources have pointed toward banned militant outfits operating from across the Afghan border. There is also growing evidence of Indian proxies supporting and financing these groups with the goal of destabilizing Pakistan and hindering its economic recovery. The objective is clear , to disrupt peace, weaken public confidence, and create internal chaos at a time when the nation needs stability the most.
This is not merely a security issue; it is a test of national will. Our soldiers are doing their duty at the frontlines, but the greater duty now lies with the entire nation. Political parties must rise above personal rivalries and put Pakistan first. The time for division, blame, and power politics is over. The country cannot afford political chaos when its enemies are united in their agenda to harm it. National security must be the shared responsibility of all , the government, opposition, military, judiciary, media, and every citizen.
The regional situation further complicates this challenge. Since the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan, promises have been made that Afghan soil will not be used against other countries. Yet, the presence and operations of groups such as the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) on Afghan territory remain a serious concern. Meanwhile, India’s persistent role in supporting anti-Pakistan elements through covert means has been widely documented and condemned. These activities not only violate international norms but threaten peace and stability across South Asia.
It is time for the international community to take note. Pakistan has paid a heavy price in the global war on terror , more than 80,000 lives lost and billions in economic losses. The world must recognize Pakistan’s sacrifices and stand by it in confronting new waves of terror funded and directed by hostile actors. Selective silence or double standards will only embolden terrorists and undermine global peace.
Terrorism feeds on division and despair. To defeat it, Pakistan must strengthen the very foundations that extremists aim to destroy , unity, justice, and hope. Alongside military operations, the government must accelerate socio-economic reforms, border management, intelligence sharing, and deradicalization programs. Our media and educational institutions must play their role in promoting tolerance, national pride, and critical awareness among the youth , ensuring that no one falls prey to extremist propaganda again.
Pakistan has been tested before , and it has never surrendered. The blood of our martyrs, from schoolchildren to soldiers, demands that we stand firm and united. The current wave of terrorism is not just an attack on our security; it is an attack on our identity, our unity, and our future. Let us rise as one nation, above politics and personal interests, to defend our homeland with faith, courage, and discipline. Pakistan’s enemies may seek to divide us, but history has shown that when this nation stands together, no force on earth can break it.
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