With the ongoing extremely fluid regional security situation in Pakistan’s immediate neighbourhood, particularly next door in Afghanistan, the state must keep a keen eye on disruptive elements that may try to take advantage of the situation and weaken the environment in the country. The martyrdom of at least four Frontier Corps men in a suicide attack on Sunday on the Quetta-Mastung Road on the outskirts of Quetta comes as a reminder that the country cannot afford to let down its guard even for a moment.
The banned TTP has taken accountability for the act of terrorism. Over the past few months, there has been a quantum leap in militant activity. Last month, at least two children were killed when militants struck a motorcade carrying Chinese nationals in Gwadar’s East-Bay Expressway area while Chinese individuals have also been targeted in Karachi. These incidents are believed to have been carried out by outlawed Baloch separatists.
While Pakistan has little control over handling the security threats abroad, the security apparatus must do all possible to prevent militant cells from carrying out their activities here.
As noted above, Afghanistan is an area of particular concern. Though this state does not have adverse relations with the Afghan Taliban — the de facto rulers of Kabul — Afghanistan lacks an internationally recognized government, while groups such as the self-styled Islamic State’s Khorasan chapter, the TTP as well as Baloch insurgents may still be present on Afghan soil. Pakistan must therefore press the Afghan Taliban to take action against these security threats, while efforts must be stepped up to ensure there is no infiltration into Pakistan by hostile actors.
