With the weather turning mild, an upsurge in terrorist attacks is noticeable. On the night of February 21, Pakistan launched intelligence-based airstrikes on seven terrorist camps and hideouts belonging to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Islamic State–Khorasan Province, situated in three eastern provinces of Afghanistan — Nangarhar, Paktika and Khost. Reportedly, the strikes claimed the lives of more than 80 terrorists.

Pakistan was compelled to act in retaliation against groups considered responsible for suicide bombings that claimed the lives of security personnel, including Lt Colonel Shahzada Gul Faraz. The suicide attack was targeted, in which a bomber rammed his explosive-laden motorcycle into the vehicle of security officials in district Bannu on February 21.

It appears that the conflict is outpacing the National Action Plan (NAP), which embodies the counter-terrorism campaign Azm-i-Istehkam. In the face of the onslaught, the NAP seems to be shrinking in scope. While several critics claim that the NAP is not being followed in letter and spirit, the reality may be that the spate of terrorism is spiralling upwards.

Launched in June 2024, Operation Azm-i-Istehkam (resolve for stability) included not only military action to stamp out extremism but also socio-economic uplift to counter radicalisation. Of these, the military action is ongoing; however, measures for socio-economic uplift in areas ravaged by terrorism are........

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