HomeAsiaPakistanPakistani Government Faces Rising Terror Threats Ahead of SCO Summit

Pakistani Government Faces Rising Terror Threats Ahead of SCO Summit

The Pakistani government faces pressure to ensure security during major events, particularly the upcoming SCO summit in Islamabad.

Image: Dawn

In 2024, Pakistan has witnessed a disturbing increase in terrorist attacks, particularly in the provinces of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), which are becoming epicenters of violence. Both regions, already grappling with insurgencies and cross-border militant activity, have seen a sharp rise in attacks targeting civilians, security forces, and foreign nationals—especially Chinese workers involved in critical infrastructure projects. This escalation has not only created a security crisis but also raises serious concerns about regional stability, national security, and the safety of foreign investments such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The Pakistani government, although actively countering these attacks, faces growing criticism for its inability to curb the violence.

By October 2024, Pakistan has witnessed a significant surge in terrorist attacks, with Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa being the hardest-hit regions. The violence has claimed numerous lives, including both security personnel and civilians, while military operations have resulted in the elimination of many militants. Balochistan has become a frequent target for militant groups, with recurring bombings, ambushes, and targeted killings, especially in areas such as Quetta, Gwadar, and Turbat. The insurgent groups have specifically targeted security forces, police, and Chinese nationals involved in CPEC-related projects, making the region one of Pakistan’s most dangerous. In KP, particularly in tribal districts like North Waziristan and Bajaur, militant activities have escalated, with insurgent groups carrying out several high-profile attacks on military convoys and police forces.

Some of the most devastating attacks of 2024 occurred in these two regions. In January, a suicide bomber in North Waziristan killed 15 soldiers and injured dozens more by attacking a military convoy. The Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed responsibility for the attack. In March, an attack on a convoy carrying Chinese workers in Gwadar resulted in 10 fatalities, including three Chinese nationals. The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) took responsibility, further complicating the already tense relationship between Islamabad and Beijing. In June, a bomb blast at a political rally in Bajaur claimed over 50 lives, and in August, a car bomb in Quetta killed 20 people, including several police officers. Militants continued to target security personnel throughout the year, with a September ambush in Turbat leaving 12 soldiers dead. These attacks demonstrate the militant groups’ ability to organize large-scale operations, undeterred by Pakistan’s military and counterterrorism efforts.

Several insurgent groups have claimed responsibility for these acts of terror. The TTP, one of the most prominent, continues its campaign to establish a hardline Islamic state in Pakistan, especially in KP. The TTP has intensified its operations since the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in 2021, taking advantage of the weakened border controls between the two countries. The BLA, active primarily in Balochistan, continues to fight for Baloch independence and has repeatedly targeted security forces and Chinese workers. Meanwhile, the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) has also carried out sporadic attacks, though its influence is less pronounced than that of the TTP or BLA.

The Pakistani government, under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, has responded with increased military operations in the most affected regions. Sharif has vowed to crack down on terrorist activities. “We will not allow these elements to destabilize Pakistan. The full force of the state will be used to eliminate terrorism from our soil,” the prime minister declared in a recent statement. The military has conducted several operations in North Waziristan and other trouble spots, killing over 100 insurgents in September alone. However, despite these efforts, the government faces ongoing criticism for failing to address the root causes of militancy, particularly in Balochistan, where ethnic tensions, economic deprivation, and perceived exploitation by foreign interests continue to fuel the insurgency.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has emphasized the government’s commitment to securing Pakistan’s borders, particularly the Afghanistan-Pakistan frontier, where cross-border insurgency remains a persistent issue. “We are deploying additional troops and enhancing surveillance along our western borders. No militant will be allowed to exploit our porous frontiers,” Naqvi assured the public. While the government’s actions have led to a temporary reduction in the number of terrorist attacks in some months, long-term solutions remain elusive.

One of the most critical aspects of the ongoing violence is the frequent targeting of Chinese nationals, especially those working on CPEC projects. China has invested over $60 billion in Pakistan’s infrastructure, and these investments are seen as vital for Pakistan’s economic future. However, they have made Chinese workers prime targets for insurgent groups, particularly the BLA, which views Chinese involvement as a threat to Balochistan’s autonomy.

Following the attack on Chinese workers in Gwadar in March 2024, the Chinese Foreign Ministry issued a stern warning to Islamabad, demanding heightened security measures to protect Chinese nationals. “While we remain committed to our strategic partnership with Pakistan, the safety of our people is paramount,” stated Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong. The Chinese government has hinted that future investments could be reconsidered if the security situation does not improve, raising concerns about the long-term viability of CPEC.

The Pakistani government is under pressure to demonstrate its capability to maintain security during high-profile events like the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Islamabad from October 15-16. The event will bring together high-level delegations from China, Russia, India, and Central Asian countries, making it a potential target for terrorist groups eager to undermine Pakistan’s international standing. In response, the government has announced stringent security measures, including the deployment of thousands of additional troops and police officers in Islamabad and other major cities. Intelligence-sharing networks, drone surveillance, and counterterrorism units have been activated to ensure the safety of visiting dignitaries. However, given the volatile security environment, experts warn that the risk of an attack remains high, even with these extensive preparations.

Terrorist attacks have also taken a heavy toll not only on Pakistan’s security forces but also on its civilian population and its international reputation. Just recently, 20 miners were killed in Balochistan’s Duki area when armed men attacked a private coal mine. In August alone, 50 lives were claimed in a series of attacks, including one that targeted labourers in Panjgur. These attacks have exacerbated fears that Pakistan’s security forces are struggling to contain the violence, despite the reported decline in incidents in September compared to previous months.

While Pakistan has made significant strides in its counterterrorism efforts, with significant number of militants killed this year, the country still faces enormous challenges. The increasing number of attacks in 2024 is a continuation of the troubling trend, marking a six-year high in casualties. The complexity of the insurgencies in both Balochistan and KP, combined with the added pressure of protecting foreign nationals, especially Chinese workers, complicates the security outlook for the country. The government’s efforts to secure the upcoming SCO summit will be a critical test of its ability to manage the growing threat of terrorism.

The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Coverpage’s editorial stance.

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