Political & Security Conundrum |
Over the past five years (2021–2026), Pakistan has witnessed a sharp resurgence in militant violence, civil unrest, and governance breakdowns. While security challenges span all four provinces and autonomous territories, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) and Balochistan remain the primary epicentres of violence.
Let’s glance at the security landscape over the last five years. The operational withdrawal of US/NATO forces from Afghanistan in mid-2021 triggered a major shift in regional dynamics, rejuvenating militant groups like Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), which resulted in a surge in militant violence (2021–2026). Security reports from organisations like the Pakistan Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS) and CRSS show a steady year-on-year increase in violent attacks. Militant attacks across the country rose by over 30% annually in recent years, with 2025 recorded as one of the deadliest peaks in a decade, reporting over 3,300 militant incidents and over 1,020 law enforcement fatalities.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) consistently accounts for 50% to 60% of total terrorist incidents nationwide, driven largely by TTP operations and cross-border attacks. Districts like North/South Waziristan, Lakki Marwat, Bannu, Kohat, Kurram, D.I. Khan, and Swat face persistent extortion, targeted killings, and ambushes on police and security checkpoints. While KPK faces high-volume asymmetrical attacks, Balochistan suffers from a deep-rooted ethno-nationalist insurgency (foreign-supported BLA, BLF) targeting critical infrastructure, state officials, non-Baloch workers, and foreign investments (e.g., CPEC projects). Despite tactical improvements........