Pakistan has been ranked second in the Global Terrorism Index (GTI) 2025, with a shocking 45 percent increase in terrorist-related deaths over the past year. The report, published by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), reveals that terrorist attacks have become an almost daily occurrence in the country, pushing the death toll to 1,081 in 2024. The banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has emerged as the fastest-growing terrorist group, responsible for 52 percent of terrorism-related fatalities in Pakistan, marking a 90 percent increase in deaths attributed to them.
The GTI, which evaluates the impact of terrorism in 163 countries covering 99.7 percent of the world’s population, highlights a deeply concerning trend of escalating violence in Pakistan. This sharp rise in terrorism has been fueled by cross-border militant activities, internal political instability, and the resurgence of extremist factions. The deteriorating security situation not only threatens Pakistan’s internal stability but also poses severe diplomatic and economic challenges.
Pakistan witnessed a disturbing spike in terrorist incidents in 2024, with militant groups targeting security forces, government installations, and civilians alike. The frequency of attacks has surged, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, where terrorists continue to exploit weak border security and leverage mountainous terrain for safe havens.
One of the deadliest recent attacks occurred in Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where TTP militants stormed a security checkpoint, killing 12 soldiers and injuring several others. This attack, one of many in the region, underscores the audacity and operational strength of the TTP. Similarly, Balochistan has been a hotbed of insurgent activity, with a suicide bombing in Quetta killing 15 people, including women and children, in December 2024. Such attacks have intensified fears that Pakistan is slipping into a new wave of unchecked militancy.
The TTP’s resurgence is the primary driver of Pakistan’s worsening security crisis. Having regrouped following the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in 2021, the TTP has exploited the volatile situation along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. The group’s attacks have increased in sophistication and lethality, directly challenging Pakistan’s military and law enforcement agencies.
Despite Pakistan’s repeated diplomatic engagements with the Afghan Taliban regime, efforts to curb the TTP’s influence have largely failed. Islamabad has pressed Kabul to take action against the group’s hideouts in Afghan territory, but the response from the Taliban government has been lackluster. The Afghan Taliban’s reluctance to act against the TTP has led to growing tensions between the two neighbors, with Pakistan occasionally resorting to cross-border strikes on suspected militant positions.
The Pakistani government, under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, has intensified counterterrorism operations in response to the escalating threat. Military offensives in tribal districts have been ramped up, leading to the elimination of several high-profile TTP commanders. The armed forces, under Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad and other targeted campaigns, have conducted intelligence-based operations across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, aiming to dismantle terrorist networks.
In addition to military action, the government has pursued diplomatic channels to seek greater regional cooperation in countering terrorism. Pakistan has urged the United Nations and global powers to exert pressure on the Afghan Taliban to take decisive action against militant factions operating from their territory. However, with the Taliban government itself struggling with internal security issues, a meaningful crackdown on the TTP remains uncertain.
The previous government, led by Imran Khan, had attempted negotiations with the TTP, a move that ultimately backfired. The brief ceasefire in 2022 only allowed the group to regroup and strengthen its ranks. Critics argue that the leniency shown during those negotiations provided the TTP with breathing room, leading to the current escalation in violence.
The deteriorating security situation has had a profound impact on Pakistan’s economy and social fabric. Foreign investments have dwindled due to security concerns, while rising terrorism has forced thousands to flee conflict-ridden areas. Additionally, the psychological toll on civilians, particularly those in the affected regions, has been immense, with many living in constant fear of attacks.
Pakistan’s placement as the second most terror-affected country in the world also has significant diplomatic ramifications. With international scrutiny increasing, Pakistan faces mounting pressure to demonstrate its commitment to counterterrorism efforts. Failing to do so risks further isolation and economic hardship, as global financial institutions and foreign governments weigh their engagement with Pakistan.
Pakistan’s terrorism crisis is part of a broader wave of instability affecting the region. The GTI 2025 highlights how conflicts like the war in Gaza have intensified global terrorism trends, with hate crimes surging in the West and terrorist deaths increasing in Iran. While Pakistan’s struggles with militancy are deeply rooted in domestic and regional dynamics, global unrest further complicates efforts to restore stability.
Addressing Pakistan’s worsening terrorism crisis requires a multi-pronged approach. Strengthening border security, enhancing intelligence-sharing with neighboring countries, and adopting a zero-tolerance policy towards extremist elements are crucial steps. The Pakistani government must also re-evaluate its diplomatic strategy with Afghanistan to push for more decisive action against the TTP.
Internally, political stability is essential to ensuring a unified approach to counterterrorism. The cycle of political turmoil in Pakistan has often hindered consistent policy implementation, allowing terrorist organizations to exploit governance gaps. A stable, coordinated effort among civilian and military leadership is needed to effectively counter the growing threat.
With terrorism now at an all-time high in Pakistan, the urgency for action has never been greater. If decisive steps are not taken, the situation may spiral further, putting Pakistan’s security and international standing at even greater risk.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Coverpage’s editorial stance.
