Pakistan Army executed a record 9,775 counter-terrorism operations this year, leading to the elimination of 925 terrorists linked to the group now rebranded as Fitna Al Khawarij, a term introduced by DG ISPR to describe the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan.
New Delhi: In 2024, Pakistan faced a troubling resurgence of terrorism, partly fuelled by NATO’s withdrawal from Afghanistan, which has intensified longstanding security concerns across the country. During a press conference on December 27, Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhary, the Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), underscored the military and intelligence agencies’ unwavering efforts to combat this rising threat. He disclosed that the Pakistan Army executed a record 9,775 counter-terrorism operations this year, leading to the elimination of 925 terrorists linked to the group now rebranded as Fitna Al Khawarij, a term introduced by DG ISPR to describe the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). This marks the highest number of terrorist neutralisations in the last five years. Furthermore, security forces effectively targeted 73 high-value individuals, including prominent militant leaders, demonstrating a strong and proactive approach to tackling extremism.
However, despite these claims of military success, the stark reality tells a different story. The Annual Security Report 2024 by the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) presents a sobering assessment: 2024 has been the deadliest year in a decade for both civilians and military personnel. The report documents 2,546 fatalities from violence-related incidents, including 685 security personnel—a staggering 66% increase compared to 2023. These figures highlight the formidable challenges facing Pakistan’s security forces as they grapple with persistent threats from militant groups such as the TTP and the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA).
The surge in violence is particularly acute in regions bordering Afghanistan and Iran, where militant activities have escalated following the Taliban’s resurgence. Analysts suggest that militant groups are exploiting territories in Afghanistan and Iran as safe havens to plan and execute attacks within Pakistan, further complicating the country’s already fragile security environment.
The scale of civilian and security personnel losses is particularly alarming. Of the total fatalities recorded this year, 1,612 deaths—representing over 63%—were civilians or security personnel. This marks a 73% increase compared to the 934 militants eliminated in the same period. The total fatalities in 2024 reached a nine-year high, surpassing the previous peak of 2,432 deaths in 2016. Compared to 2023, fatalities surged by 66%, while injuries rose by 55%, amounting to 2,267 cases this year. The brunt of the violence was borne by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan, which together accounted for 94% of all fatalities and 89% of all violent incidents reported nationwide.
The increase in terrorism-related violence in Pakistan arises from a complex interplay of factors, each contributing to the resurgence of militant activities, particularly by groups like the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Since the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan in August 2021, the security environment in Pakistan has significantly deteriorated.
A recurring element of Pakistan’s response to these attacks is its frequent attribution of blame to the Afghan Taliban government for failing to cooperate in curbing cross-border terrorism. This cycle of accusations has become a familiar pattern, often overshadowing the pressing need for decisive and collaborative action from both nations. Instead of fostering joint efforts to address shared threats, the blame game perpetuates mistrust and hampers meaningful progress.
One of the pivotal triggers for the resurgence of terrorist activities in Pakistan was the breakdown of peace negotiations between the Pakistani government and the TTP in November 2022. Initially, these talks offered a glimmer of hope for a peaceful resolution, but their collapse unleashed a wave of violence that continues to engulf the country. Furthermore, the rise of the TTP and its insurgency can be traced back to strategic miscalculations and short-sighted policies by the Pakistani establishment.
Following the collapse of peace negotiations, the TTP leadership swiftly called on its fighters to resume attacks, leading to a dramatic surge in violent incidents across Pakistan. This renewed wave of hostilities allowed the TTP to reassert its presence and operational capabilities. Emboldened by the breakdown of talks, the group seized the opportunity to reorganise, expand its ranks, and consolidate its position, further exacerbating an already fragile security environment.
From the outset, the peace talks were fraught with challenges. While temporary ceasefires and discussions facilitated by the Afghan Taliban initially raised hopes, substantive progress remained elusive. The assassination of key TTP figures during the negotiations further undermined trust, exposing deep-seated complexities that neither side could effectively navigate.
The interplay of inter-group cooperation and rivalries continues to shape the scope and intensity of militancy in Pakistan, particularly in the Newly Merged Districts (NMDs) bordering Afghanistan. These areas now have strengthened militant networks through strategic alliances and shifting rivalries. A notable example is the ongoing collaboration between the TTP and the Hafiz GulBahadur Group, which has drawn attention for its coordinated military activities.
Adding to this intricate web, allegations of collaboration between Pakistan’s ISI and militant factions such as the Haqqani Network have surfaced, suggesting efforts to manipulate the responses of groups like the TTP and ISKP. These claims highlight the enduring complexities of Pakistan’s counterterrorism strategy, which often balances direct action and covert engagement, with far-reaching consequences for the region’s stability.
In a striking demonstration of unity, the TTP and the Hafiz GulBahadur Group have carried out over 12 joint attacks across the Newly Merged Districts (NMDs) and other parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa within just two years. This collaboration underscores their shared objectives and signals the possibility of a merger, which could significantly bolster their operational capabilities against Pakistani security forces. The Hafiz GulBahadur Group has even claimed responsibility for conducting missile tests, highlighting its growing military sophistication in tandem with the TTP. The Taliban’s resurgence in Afghanistan has further provided a permissive environment for such alliances to thrive.
As Pakistan navigates the precarious landscape of 2024, the resurgence of terrorism poses a grave challenge to its national security and stability. While military successes have been touted, the stark reality reveals the deep complexities of combating well-organized and resilient militant groups like the TTP and the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), both of which have exploited regional instability to expand their influence. The breakdown of peace talks and the evolving dynamics of inter-group rivalries only add to the difficulty of restoring order.
Addressing these challenges demands a multifaceted approach. Tackling the root causes of militancy, fostering genuine cooperation with neighbouring states, and implementing a nationwide de-radicalization program are critical steps toward long-term stability. Increased radicalisation in Punjab and Sindh also requires urgent attention, as it poses a significant risk to the country’s internal cohesion.
Additionally, Pakistan must explore the possibility of comprehensive peace talks, emphasising dialogue and reconciliation to create sustainable solutions. Giving peace a chance, alongside robust counter-terrorism strategies, is essential for securing a safer future for the nation and its citizens.
Parth Seth is a research fellow at the India Foundation. He studies multilateralism, development, middle powers, and great power competition, focusing on South Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa (MENA).