Pakistan continues to grapple with serious internal security threats, as recent developments in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan have shown. The resurgence of terrorist violence, particularly by banned militant groups like the TTP, has led to tragic losses among security forces and raised fresh concerns about the effectiveness of existing counterterrorism (CT) measures.

According to the military’s media wing, 12 terrorists were neutralised in both provinces in the past few days. However, these operations have come at a significant cost. Four soldiers were martyred in North Waziristan while confronting what officials described as “Indian-sponsored” khawarij—an epithet for the TTP. Similarly, two Coast Guard personnel were killed in Jiwani, near the Iranian border, in another militant attack. These incidents highlight the urgency of plugging security gaps and fortifying vulnerable regions.

Amid these developments, reports surfaced of an Afghan Taliban commander, Saeedullah Saeed, warning fighters against launching attacks on Pakistan. The statement, if genuine, labelled such actions as fasad (corruption) rather than jihad. Yet, the ongoing TTP attacks suggest that either the warning has had no meaningful impact or that the Afghan Taliban leadership lacks full control over these elements.

In this context, the Taliban government in Kabul must be held accountable for its commitments. At the recent trilateral meeting in Beijing involving China, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, all parties agreed to oppose terrorism in every form and prevent their territories from being used against one another. This pledge must translate into concrete action. Both Islamabad and Beijing should remind Kabul of its obligations under this agreement, particularly as Pakistan has restored ambassadorial-level diplomatic relations with Afghanistan—a move that could pave the way for more effective engagement.

In Balochistan, relations with Iran remain generally cooperative. Strengthening intelligence sharing and CT cooperation along the border can help prevent cross-border attacks. However, dealing with Baloch separatist militancy requires more than military action. A long-term political strategy is essential to address the root causes of discontent in the province.

Ultimately, Pakistan’s fight against terrorism must balance kinetic operations with diplomatic and socio-political initiatives. Foreign support for militant proxies cannot be ruled out, but internal resilience, intelligence coordination, and development-led approaches are vital. With consistent resolve, as demonstrated in previous episodes of external aggression, Pakistan can overcome this wave of domestic terrorism.