Echoes of fragility

For threats emanating from groups like the banned TTP and ISKP, Pakistan requires full cooperation from the Taliban regime in Afghanistan

- SHANTANU MUKHARJI

Pakistan seems to be undergoing a phase of grave uncertainty due to rising security concerns. According to prominent security analysts in the media, the dynamics of terrorism threats have shifted significantly since the Taliban took control in Afghanistan, challenging security institutions to develop an effective strategy to address these risks. However, shifting the blame to the Taliban does not seem fair, as internal weaknesses in Pakista's security and intelligence machinery remain key factors behind the escalating security concerns. The current counterterrorism strategy appears to be based on a zero-tolerance approach towards all terrorist groups, including religiously inspired terrorists and insurgents. Yet, this approach has not yielded productive results and has heightened security concerns, particularly for foreign nationals in the country. Chinese nationals, in particular, have been targeted twice within six months, and a convoy of foreign diplomats narrowly escaped an attack while visiting Swat in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). China, facing specific security threats, has been consistently urging Pakistan to intensify efforts against terrorist groups endangering its interests. China has been using high-level diplomatic channels to convey its security concerns to the Pakistani leadership. Initially, it pressured Pakistan to announce a comprehensive campaign against terrorism and extremism under the banner of Operation Azm-i-Istehkam. More recently, it urged Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif to personally oversee the investigation into the latest terrorist attack on Chinese nationals in Karachi.