Sanctuaries Of Violence: How Cross-Border Militancy Fuels Pakistan’s Terror Crisis – OpEd |
The neutralization of Afghan militant Mullah Tajuddin alias Ahmadi in Bajaur is not merely another line in Pakistan’s counterterrorism ledger; it is an indictment of a persistent and dangerous regional reality. Terrorism in Pakistan is increasingly transnational in character, sustained by ideological, logistical, and operational support networks that originate beyond its borders. Each intelligence-based operation (IBO) conducted by Pakistan’s security forces reinforces the same conclusion: militancy survives not because of local sympathy, but because of external sanctuaries that continue to exist with impunity.
Pakistan’s counterterrorism campaign in areas such as Bajaur, North Waziristan, and Mohmand reflects a doctrine of precision and restraint. These are not indiscriminate actions, but carefully planned operations driven by verified intelligence and executed to minimize civilian harm. The repeated killing of Afghan nationals during these missions exposes a hard truth that critics often avoid: a significant portion of violence within Pakistan is imported. The presence of foreign militants on Pakistani soil cannot be explained away by domestic grievances alone.
At the center of this crisis lies Afghanistan’s unresolved governance vacuum. Since the Taliban’s return to power, Kabul has failed to establish effective control over militant factions operating within its........