The sudden US withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021 was a defining moment in the global fight against terrorism. While the geo-strategic landscape gradually shifts towards USA led West’s competition with China and Russia, a new report, “Senior Study Group on Counterterrorism in Afghanistan and Pakistan: Final Report,” warns of a resurgent threat from terrorist groups in the region. This renewed threat necessitates a re-evaluation of the US counterterrorism strategy, one that acknowledges Pakistan’s critical role as a partner and victim of terrorism, amidst a complex security situation.
Following the 9/11 attacks, Pakistan emerged as a vital US ally in the War on Terror. It assisted in intelligence sharing, as well as logistical support for US operations inside Afghanistan. The cost of human lives lost in this war by Pakistanis is staggering, with estimates suggesting over 80,000 security personnel and civilians killed in terrorist attacks since 2001. This violence had a devastating ripple effect on Pakistan’s economy as well. The Pakistan Economic Survey in 2021 estimated that terrorism inflicted a colossal US $126 billion in damages to the nation’s infrastructure, development, and overall economic potential.
USA’s abrupt withdrawal from Afghanistan created a negative vaccum which was filled by complicated counterterrorism mosaic. The Taliban’s commitment to preventing Afghanistan from becoming a haven for terrorism remains unclear. The presence of Al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri in Kabul, before his reported elimination in a drone strike raised serious concerns. The Islamic State of Khorasan (ISIS-K) has also shown increased activity recently, threatening not only Afghanistan, but also the wider region.
Pakistan faces a resurgent TTP threat stemming from TTP sanctuaries in Afghanistan. Pakistan witnessed another year of an unprecedented surge in militant attacks as the country saw a staggering........