By Qamar Bashir
The escalating threat of terrorism and extremism is deeply troubling, especially given the mounting toll on the lives of our courageous soldiers. This concerning trend has been particularly pronounced since 2021, aligning with the Taliban’s resurgence in Afghanistan. It’s important to note that while global terrorism incidents have been decreasing since 2007, the situation in our region has taken a disconcerting turn.
In the year 2023, Pakistan found itself ranked 4th on the Global Terrorism Index with a score of 8.11. This ranking represented a two-notch increase from 2022 when the score stood at 8.4 out of 10, placing Pakistan as the sixth most terrorism- affected country in the world. During 2022 in Pakistan, there were 648 recorded terrorist attacks, resulting in 1,058 fatalities, 602 injuries, and 13 hostages. The economic toll of terrorism in Pakistan was estimated at a staggering $10.6 billion for the year 2022. This figure is nearly nine times higher than the terrorism-related deaths in 2020, a concerning contrast even when compared to Afghanistan, where terrorism incidents dropped by 75%, and fatalities decreased by 58%.
The Western world, including the USA, has witnessed a consistent decrease in the number of terrorist attacks since 2017. In the west, for instance, only forty attacks were recorded in 2022, representing a significant 27% decrease compared to the 55 attacks reported in 2021.
The Global Terrorism Index reports 130 terrorist attacks originating from Afghanistan into Pakistan during 2022. Among these attacks, the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) emerged as the most active terrorist group, responsible for 63 incidents. Other groups contributing to the attacks include the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP), the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), and the Jamaat-ul-Ahrar (JuA).
Of great concern is the troubling ratio of security personnel martyred versus terrorists killed. According to the Global Terrorism Index (GTI) for 2023, the global average of terrorists killed per security personnel killed in 2022 stood at 1.19. This signifies that for every security personnel lost, an average of 1.19 terrorists were neutralized. In Pakistan, however, the average ratio in 2022 was notably lower, at 0.67. This implies that for every security personnel lost, only 0.67 terrorists were eliminated.
The high rate of casualties among security personnel compared to terrorists killed
has profound implications for the nation. It jeopardizes security and stability,
creating an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty that can deter economic
development, foreign investment, and social cohesion. Moreover, it has a
psychological impact on the population, eroding trust in the government's ability to
provide safety and security, which, in turn, can undermine the overall well-being of
the nation.
For the armed forces, continuous and high casualties pose operational challenges
and strain their ability to counter terrorist threats effectively. Beyond the strategic
implications, it takes a toll on the morale and motivation of military personnel.
Witnessing a significant number of colleagues fall in the line of duty can be
demoralizing and affect their commitment and readiness.
The families of martyred security personnel bear an immeasurable emotional
burden. They endure the grief and loss of loved ones who made the ultimate
sacrifice for the nation. The economic hardship resulting from the loss of a
breadwinner and the long-lasting psychological trauma further compound their
suffering.
The perception of a nation facing a high level of security risks can deter tourists.
An unstable security situation can result in travel advisories and warnings, causing
a decline in tourism. The negative impact on tourism can lead to a loss of revenue,
jobs, and opportunities for local businesses.
A security situation in a country may erode investor confidence, leading to a
reluctance to commit capital to the country. As a result, potential investments may
be delayed or redirected to more stable regions.
High security risks may deter foreign businesses from engaging in trade
partnerships with Pakistani companies, affecting the flow of goods and potentially
impacting the country's trade balance. It may also affect the willingness of
companies to establish or expand their operations in Pakistan. This, in turn, could
impede economic growth and job creation.
Regrettably, in Pakistan, there exists a prevalent perception that the sole
responsibility for countering terrorism rests upon the shoulders of the armed
forces.
Adding to this issue, the armed forces, weary of relentless political disputes and
unwarranted attempts by various political factions to co-opt their support, have
come to believe that political forces may not possess the requisite competence to
handle sensitive or critical responsibilities.
This predicament has inadvertently pushed the armed forces into domains such as
politics, internal law and order, and even diplomatic matters.
The need of the hour is for politicians, intellectuals, opinion-makers, and
celebrities to transcend their parochial political rivalries and demonstrate a genuine
commitment to addressing critical issues that threaten the very existence of our
nation.
They must embrace the responsibilities vested in them by the constitution and laws
of our land and release the armed forces from duties that have been shouldered due
to political incompetence, incapacity, and inertia.
It is incumbent on the politician and civil society to begin by comprehending the
underlying causes of both domestic and cross-border terrorism followed by
devising a comprehensive national strategy to effectively tackle and counteract the
primary factors that fuel domestic and cross border forms of terrorism, with the
ultimate goal of minimizing the casualties suffered by our security personnel and
innocent civilians.
Unifying all political parties in the fight against domestic and cross-border
terrorism is a formidable task but an imperative one. National security dialogues
must be initiated, providing a platform for representatives from diverse parties to
engage in regular discussions centered on the shared objective of countering
terrorism.
Bipartisan oversight committees within the legislature can play a critical role in
monitoring and evaluating the government's counterterrorism efforts, ensuring
transparency and accountability in policy making.
Cross-party conferences and workshops should facilitate dialogue among political
leaders from different spectrums, encouraging an open exchange of ideas and
experiences regarding counterterrorism strategies and challenges.
The media's role in raising public awareness about the necessity of a unified stance
against terrorism cannot be overstated. Engaging political parties in policy
formulation and promoting transparency through regular briefings build trust and
consensus.
Political parties should be urged to prioritize national security over partisan
interests, emphasizing the collective threat that terrorism poses. Joint statements
and declarations condemning terrorism and a commitment to combating it can send
a powerful message.
Crisis management protocols that involve political parties ensure swift
coordination during critical situations. Ultimately, unity against terrorism
necessitates a long-term commitment, recognizing that the fight against terrorism is
an enduring effort that demands sustained cooperation among political parties.
In this regard, bringing together the government, political, civil society,
intellectuals, opinion makers, artists, celebrities, and religious figures to address
domestic terrorism's root causes and security concerns is a formidable but essential
endeavor.
This can be achieved through the establishment of a National Task Force,
comprising diverse representatives, entrusted with a comprehensive mandate to
tackle this pressing issue.
Armed forces should also take a deeper look into the reasons and causes of high
numbers of martyrdom of brave security personnel during counter terrorism
operations and should set in place a comprehensive mechanism to minimize
casualties.
First and foremost, an unrelenting focus on advanced training and skill
development is essential. Specialized training in counterterrorism tactics,
intelligence gathering, and urban warfare is pivotal to equipping security personnel
with the tools they need to succeed. Promoting special forces training further
enhances precision and minimizes collateral damage during operations.
The effectiveness of these agencies also hinges on improved intelligence sharing
and coordination. A seamless partnership between law enforcement, military units,
and intelligence agencies, bolstered by international cooperation, is paramount.
Embracing technological advancements, such as surveillance drones, night-vision
equipment, and artificial intelligence, is key to gaining a tactical advantage and
thwarting threats.
Simultaneously, community engagement strategies that foster trust and
collaboration with local populations and the development of community policing
programs strengthen the security apparatus.
International collaboration and public support are also integral components of this
multifaceted approach. Together, these measures work in concert to create a safer
environment, strengthen community trust, and ensure the safety of both security
personnel and civilians.
In conclusion, the urgent need to achieve a unified stand by all political parties to
counter domestic and cross-border terrorism cannot be overstated. The pressing
challenge lies not only in addressing the shared threat of terrorism but also in
minimizing the tragic casualties suffered by our dedicated armed forces.
It demands a steadfast commitment to national security, transparency, and
prioritizing the well-being of citizens over partisan interests. Building consensus
among diverse political leaders is not just a political imperative; it is a moral
obligation in the relentless battle against the scourge of terrorism.
In the face of this common and immediate threat, a united front is not only our best
defense; it is our resolute stand for the safety, security, and unity of the entire
nation, while safeguarding the lives of those who protect us.
