Terror as a weapon

2026-02-14 - 23:46

PAKISTAN is confronting yet another wave of terrorism that appears fragmented at first glance but is, in truth, a coordinated, multi-dimensional campaign. Far from random incidents limited to border areas, this escalation forms part of a prolonged strategic effort to erode the state from within, spread fear among citizens and fracture the national consensus. The key question is not merely why terrorism persists, but why it has intensified precisely now. Viewed in wider perspective, Pakistan has entered a phase of strengthened internal cohesion and rising global diplomatic stature. Harmony between political and military leadership, combined with an unambiguous counter-terrorism doctrine, has enhanced the country’s international standing. Such progress is deeply unacceptable to actors intent on keeping Pakistan weak, divided and defensively oriented. Terrorism, therefore, resurfaces as a weapon to derail this trajectory. The most prominent driver lies in regional geopolitical tensions, especially along the Afghan frontier. Afghanistan’s fluid situation has granted militant outfits greater operational freedom, with cross-border safe havens remaining a chronic threat. It is indisputable that numerous attacks inside Pakistan trace back to these sanctuaries, where weak governance allows non-state actors to plan, train and strike with relative ease. These networks target not only Pakistan’s domestic security but sustain broader regional instability. India’s persistent hybrid warfare adds another layer. After setbacks in direct confrontations, New Delhi has turned to proxies, subversion, cyber operations and narrative manipulation. In Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, support for banned groups—financial, logistical and ideological—fuels unrest, while global campaigns portray Pakistan as inherently unstable. Credible international reports and disclosures lend substance to these patterns, highlighting exploitation of ethnic and sectarian divides. Domestically, ideological fragmentation and narrative weaknesses create recruitment opportunities. Social media radicalizes youth against state institutions, breeds distrust and sanctifies violence in the name of faith or deprivation. This void must be filled through vigorous implementation of frameworks like the National Action Plan—transforming it from policy paper to active counter-radicalization effort via education, community outreach and alternative narratives. Political discord has long nourished terrorism. When narrow interests eclipse national priorities, streets supplant institutions and state bodies lose legitimacy, militants exploit the resulting disorder. Pakistan’s past offers stark lessons: vacuums invite chaos. Yet hope prevails in the leadership’s resolve. Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, serving concurrently as Chief of Army Staff and Pakistan’s first Chief of Defence Forces, has instituted a clear, uncompromising counter-terrorism policy. Distinctions between “acceptable” and “unacceptable” militants have ended; no concessions are tolerated. This firmness has provoked desperation among terrorists, evident in their frantic but unsustainable surge—an indicator of decline rather than dominance. Military operations, intelligence efforts and border measures continue to disrupt networks effectively. Pakistan’s advances have placed India on the back foot diplomatically, militarily and strategically—including in high-profile forums like ICC cricket tournaments. In South Asia, cricket symbolizes national psyche and prestige. Sustained pressure dismantles notions of unchallenged dominance, driving adversaries toward asymmetric tools like proxies and hybrid campaigns. Alarmingly, the current wave targets Punjab’s social fabric, aiming to sabotage cultural events like Basant that embody joy, tolerance and harmony. Attacks on such occasions are deliberate psychological operations to replace festivity with dread, suggesting no space for celebration or coexistence. This seeks to weaken state authority at the societal roots. Despite these threats, Pakistan’s foundation remains strong. Nawaz Sharif’s vision of stability, economic revival and balanced diplomacy aligns with Shehbaz Sharif’s administrative pragmatism to foster order over anarchy. Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir’s decisive leadership bolsters internal security, terrorism’s defeat and national dignity. This political-military alignment is the surest defense against conspiracies, protector of social unity and driver toward a resilient, peaceful, respected Pakistan. Sustained, it will not only contain but eliminate terrorism—history shows clarity within a state leaves little room for prolonged disorder. The nation must now rise to the challenge: across political, religious and ideological lines, unity and vigilance are essential. By recognizing these tactics and closing ranks, every adversarial scheme can be thwarted. Pakistan’s enduring resilience will secure a future defined by peace and progress. —The writer is a Supreme Court lawyer and former member & Chairman Standing Committee of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Council. Islamabad (khaliqwasi786@gmail.com)