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Military Links Terror Surge to Political Backing, Governance Failures
ISPR links terrorism spike in Pakistan to political interference, governance issues. 1,200 attacks in 2024, 2,000+ lives lost. Military calls for political support in counterterrorism.
ND
by News Desk
2024-12-28
Military Links Terror Surge to Political Backing, Governance Failures

Pakistan's military has linked the alarming rise in terrorism to political interference and governance gaps, cautioning that counterterrorism efforts will fail without cohesive support from the country's leadership.

Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, director general of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), addressed the issue at a year-end press briefing, stating that "political backing for illegal activities" is hindering the implementation of vital measures under national security plans, such as the Revised National Action Plan and Azm-i-Istehkam.

Terrorism Statistics

In 2024, Pakistan witnessed 1,200 terrorist attacks, resulting in over 2,000 fatalities, including 383 military personnel. The resurgence of violence has been attributed to the Afghan Taliban’s influence post-2021 and the growing presence of militant groups like Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Baloch insurgents.

Despite 59,779 intelligence-based operations and the elimination of 925 militants in 2024, terrorism continues to claim lives, raising questions about the effectiveness of counterterrorism strategies.

Key Concerns

Lt Gen Sharif criticized the governance vacuum in militancy-prone areas, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, and called for reforms in education, health, and administration to address root causes.

“The army is filling governance gaps daily with the sacrifices of its martyrs,” he said, adding that the persistence of militancy also stems from sanctuaries and support for terrorist groups in Afghanistan.

Political Challenges

The military spokesman accused political elites of obstructing counterterrorism efforts for personal gain. He highlighted missteps, such as the PTI government's 2021 talks with the TTP, which allowed militants to regroup and jeopardized law enforcement.

“Our soldiers are paying for these wrong decisions with their blood,” he stated, while urging current leadership to enact laws to dismantle illegal networks and punish criminal elements.

Regional and Tribal Violence

The military emphasized the need for a political solution to the escalating conflict in Kurram district, which it described as a tribal land dispute rather than terrorism. Over 133 people were killed in November alone in clashes between Sunni and Shia tribes.

Parachinar, a Shia-majority town, has faced a months-long blockade, intensifying the humanitarian crisis. “Dialogue among local stakeholders is essential,” the spokesman said, urging politicians to take the lead in resolving the issue.

May 9 Trials and Crackdown

Lt Gen Sharif reiterated the military’s zero-tolerance approach to vandalism at military installations during the May 9 protests. He defended the trials of 85 PTI activists and dismissed allegations of excessive force during the November 26 crackdown on PTI workers in Islamabad.

He also criticized social media campaigns aimed at undermining the military, calling them "propaganda to fuel societal discord."

Conclusion

The military has called for unity among Pakistan's political elite to confront terrorism and lawlessness effectively. “Without justice, education, and good governance, terrorism will persist,” Lt Gen Sharif concluded.

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ISPR

CounterTerrorism

Governance

PakistanSecurity
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