ISLAMABAD: A new report by the Pak Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS) has raised alarm over Pakistan’s deteriorating security situation, likening it to the turbulent period preceding 2015. Released on Wednesday, the “Pakistan Security Report 2024” highlights a significant surge in terrorist attacks and fatalities, calling for immediate and coordinated counterterrorism measures.
Alarming Rise in Terrorist Incidents
The report reveals a stark 70% increase in terrorist attacks in 2024 compared to the previous year, with 521 incidents resulting in 852 deaths and 1,092 injuries. This escalation mirrors the conditions that led to the devastating 2014 Peshawar Army Public School attack.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan remain the hardest-hit regions, accounting for over 95% of the incidents:
- KP: Recorded 295 attacks, causing 509 deaths and 517 injuries.
- Balochistan: Witnessed 202 attacks, marking an 84% increase, with 322 fatalities and 534 injuries.
Militant Groups and Sectarian Violence
The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has emerged as a dominant threat, responsible for 225 deaths in 2024, a figure rivaling those caused by the proscribed Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which claimed 300 lives.
Sectarian violence, particularly in the Kurram district of KP, has surged dramatically. Fatalities in sectarian conflicts rose from 43 in 2023 to 234 in 2024, underlining a growing challenge for law enforcement.
Recommendations for Counterterrorism
The PIPS report underscores the urgent need for a multi-faceted approach to combat the rising militancy:
- Strengthen Law Enforcement: Enhance the capacity of counterterrorism departments in KP and Balochistan.
- Federal-Provincial Coordination: Foster greater collaboration between provincial and federal authorities to address terrorism threats.
- Socioeconomic Integration: Implement comprehensive programs to address grievances in Balochistan, including concerns over enforced disappearances.
- Community Engagement: Rebuild trust between authorities and local communities to isolate extremist elements.
- Address Regional Dynamics: Tackle the issue of militant sanctuaries and support from neighboring Afghanistan.
Security Forces’ Efforts and Challenges
While security forces intensified operations, killing 932 militants in 2024, experts warn that without addressing the root causes of militancy, the violence may persist. The report stresses that military efforts must be complemented by socio-political strategies to achieve lasting peace.
A Call for Unity and Action
The report concludes with a call for national and provincial authorities to prioritize dialogue, community involvement, and socioeconomic reforms. “Long-term stability,” it emphasizes, “requires balancing kinetic actions with strategies that address grievances and foster inclusion.”
As Pakistan faces this renewed wave of terrorism, coordinated and comprehensive measures will be crucial to reversing the trend and ensuring a secure future for the nation.
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