Terrorism defying optimism |
TERRORISM remains a serious challenge in Pakistan, affecting security, governance and social cohesion.
Militant violence has targeted civilians and state institutions, creating economic and humanitarian costs. To curb this menace, Pakistan launched many anti-terrorism initiatives but fruitful outcomes are yet to be observed. Terrorism in Pakistan in 2025 deteriorated sharply, with terrorist incidents rising 34 percent to 699 nationwide, according to the Pakistan Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS) Security Report 2025. This escalation claimed at least 1,034 lives and injured 1,366 others, marking a 21 percent increase in fatalities despite intensified counterterrorism efforts that killed over 1,300 militants. The surge persisted even after assertions of control and the October closure of the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, highlighting underlying vulnerabilities that differ from the state’s assessment of stability.
Field Marshal Asim Munir, repeatedly emphasized a zero-tolerance policy toward threats to national security during 2025 visits to garrisons and training exercises. In January 2026, he reaffirmed the defence forces’ commitment to safeguarding sovereignty amid multifaceted challenges, highlighting operational preparedness and innovation. Pakistani military spokespersons credited border fortifications and operations with curbing infiltration, pointing to minor late-year dips in cross-border attacks following the October 2025 closure of key crossings like Torkham and Chaman........