The rugged mountains lining the border between Pakistan’s Balochistan province and Afghanistan have long been a security concern. This sparsely populated region, riddled with informal crossing points and smuggling routes, presents a formidable challenge for border control. In recent months, this vulnerability has become pronounced with surge in terrorist activities emanating from Afghan soil. The situation in Zhob, a mountainous frontier district in eastern Balochistan bordering Afghanistan’s Ghazni and Paktika provinces, exemplifies the severity of threat.

Stretching for roughly 300 kilometers, the border between Zhob and Afghanistan is characterized with a harsh, unforgiving landscape. Steep, rocky terrain and sparse population density make effective border patrolling a constant struggle. The porous nature of the border, marked by informal crossings under use of smugglers and local communities, further complicates the matters. This geographic vulnerability has long been exploited by criminal elements and insurgent groups, making Zhob a prime target for infiltration.

The recent press release by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on 22 May 2024, underscores a concerning trend: a surge in terrorist activities originating from Afghanistan. While the ISPR statement doesn’t explicitly name the perpetrators, the most likely suspects are the........

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