Rising Terrorism Threats in Pakistan: Security Forces Respond Amid Growing Violence

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Pakistan has seen a significant increase in terrorist activities over the past year, particularly in the provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan. This surge follows the termination of the ceasefire by the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in November 2022. Security agencies have ramped up counterterrorism operations to combat the growing threat posed by militant groups, including the Islamic State (IS), also known as Daesh, a proscribed global terrorist organization.

Recently, Pakistan’s Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) conducted a critical operation targeting Daesh operatives in Balochistan. During the raid near Mastung’s Dasht area, a high-value suspect, previously in custody for the kidnapping and murder of a minor, was being taken to identify a suspected militant hideout. This suspect was linked to Daesh’s operational cell, involved in terror financing and facilitating attacks across the province. The CTD reported that armed accomplices opened fire to secure the suspect’s release, leading to an intense exchange of gunfire. The confrontation resulted in the suspect being killed amidst the chaos, along with two other terrorists neutralized on the spot.

The militant group was reportedly engaged in targeted killings and extortion schemes, using child abductions to fund their operations. Authorities recovered a significant cache of weapons, explosives, communication devices, and extremist literature from the hideout. Further raids are underway in the Dasht and Spilinji areas to dismantle the remaining network.

The rise in terrorist incidents has placed Pakistan second in the 2025 Global Terrorism Index, with fatalities from such attacks increasing by 45 percent over the past year, reaching 1,081 deaths. The violence is not limited to militants; security personnel continue to suffer losses as well. Just recently, a deputy superintendent of police (DSP) and a constable were killed in an ambush on the National Highway in Mastung, while others were injured.

In response, Pakistan’s security forces have intensified their operations. Last week, CTD Balochistan and other law enforcement agencies successfully eliminated five terrorists in a joint operation in Duki district. Similarly, four militants were killed in a separate operation in Kalat district on Sunday. These efforts underscore the ongoing commitment of Pakistani security forces to confront and dismantle extremist threats despite the challenging security landscape.

The government’s failure to maintain stability and curb militancy in key regions continues to expose vulnerabilities that jeopardize national security and civilian safety. Without a firm and coordinated approach to counterterrorism, these attacks are likely to persist, undermining Pakistan’s progress and security.