THE Pakistan Defence Forces have been continuously battling foreign-sponsored terrorism since 2002, which has become an existential threat to the country’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity. Pakistan has paid a heavy price, losing one hundred thousand precious human lives and suffering $150 billion in financial losses, besides severe social and psychological pressure. Despite immense sacrifices and hundreds of counter-terrorism operations, terrorism persists in KP and Balochistan. The years 2025 and 2026 proved particularly bloody, with daily terrorist attacks and casualties. The fundamental question remains: why could terrorism not be eliminated despite counter-terrorism operations continuing for so many years?

A point of concern is the allegation against our security forces and military leadership that this was not Pakistan’s war, but rather dictation taken from Washington and that a correct strategy could not be formulated to move beyond it. Certain circles hold their own governments responsible for the deterioration of relations with Afghanistan. On one hand, they object that Pakistan did not take sufficient steps for friendship with Kabul, while on the other, they are seen supporting ground operations alongside limited airstrikes.

Pakistan has been a direct victim of the effects of instability in Afghanistan for nearly four decades. After the Taliban government came to power in 2021, Pakistan largely maintained a policy of restraint and reconciliation with Afghanistan, even though terrorism originating from Afghan soil continued to increase. During this time, Pakistan faced two........

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