- By: Captain (Retired) Umar Farooq
Pakistan is, once again, facing a troubling wave of insurgent and terrorist activities. From the tribal belt to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, attacks by militants, including the TTP and Baloch insurgents, have intensified in recent months. Our nation is paying a heavy price for its sovereignty and independence. Foreign interference, particularly from India through sponsored elements, has further aggravated the situation — both in frequency and in scale.
Our law enforcement agencies and military personnel continue to bear the brunt of this conflict, sacrificing lives in the line of duty. However, it is critical to understand that this war cannot be won by our armed forces alone. It is a national war — and the entire nation must own it.
The following recommendations are proposed as part of a broader, long-term strategy to counter terrorism and resist enemy conspiracies effectively:
- Eliminate Access to Weapons and Explosives
A complete crackdown must be enforced on the sources supplying arms and explosives to terrorist groups. The networks facilitating such supply chains need to be identified, dismantled, and punished.
- Win the Hearts and Minds of Local Youth
The youth of Balochistan and the tribal areas must be engaged meaningfully. They should be educated with a message of peace and unity, and encouraged to embrace a positive, patriotic identity. The government and media must collaborate to promote national integration and social cohesion in these vulnerable regions.
- Reform the Educational Curriculum
Our schools, colleges, and universities must adopt a curriculum that actively discourages extremist ideologies and promotes the values of peace, patriotism, and unity. The importance of a stable, peaceful Pakistan must be clearly conveyed to the younger generation.
- Strategic Preparedness Before Deployment
Security forces deployed in volatile areas must be thoroughly trained about local geography, the operational tactics of terrorists, and counter-strategies to neutralize them. Proper planning and intelligence sharing are vital for successful operations.
- Engage in Dialogue Where Possible
Channels for negotiation, including tribal jirgas, should remain open wherever strategically feasible. Continuous dialogue can help reduce the intensity of insurgency and allow space for political solutions.
- Learn from the Past
Every terror incident from the last two decades must be analyzed systematically. These case studies should be used to educate current forces and improve preparedness against similar attacks in the future.
- Expose Foreign Involvement
India’s ongoing support to insurgent groups must be highlighted on national and international platforms, including the United Nations. Pakistan must aggressively counter such propaganda and raise global awareness.
- Rehabilitate Former Militants
A structured rehabilitation and reintegration program should be developed for youth who have been lured into terrorist groups. Incentives, pardons, and livelihood opportunities can help them reintegrate into society as productive citizens.
- Strengthen Border Management
All border entry and exit points must be strictly monitored, and any loopholes must be closed immediately. Cross-border infiltration is a major source of instability and must be curtailed.
- Enhance Intelligence Operations
Our intelligence agencies must adopt a proactive, rather than reactive, approach. Continuous surveillance and real-time reporting of suspicious activities are crucial in preempting attacks.
- Promote Positive Media Engagement
FM radio stations and local media houses should be established in insurgency-hit areas to promote state narratives, peace-building content, and educational programming aimed at de-radicalization.
- Mobilize Local Leadership
MNAs, MPAs, and community leaders must stay actively involved in their constituencies. Their engagement can help guide communities in isolating terrorist elements and protecting families from extremist influence.
- Empower Religious and Intellectual Voices
Religious scholars, intellectuals, and community influencers must use their platforms to spread messages of unity, tolerance, and peace. Misguided ideologies must be publicly challenged and countered.
- Seek Strategic Support from Allies
Friendly nations such as China and Turkey may be engaged for collaborative strategies, technological support, and joint operations against terrorism. Sharing intelligence and resources can enhance Pakistan’s counter-terrorism capabilities.
- Final Words
Dear countrymen, Pakistan is fighting a war for its survival. The number of our martyrs is rising rapidly — brave soldiers, police officers, and intelligence personnel who lay down their lives to protect us. It is now time for every citizen to contribute. Your unity, support, and cooperation are needed more than ever.
Together, we can defeat this menace and lead Pakistan to the path of peace, stability, and prosperity.