The military and political leaders have vowed to defeat terrorists and their facilitators through a unified national response. While the sentiment is commendable, implementing the plan will be a huge task on account of the prevailing political polarisation and the support some terrorist networks enjoy abroad. Another challenge will be the strict enforcement of anti-terror policies that were softened in the past as well.

A massive surge in terrorist attacks during the first quarter of 2025, especially the attack on Jaffar Express in Balochistan, the first incident of its kind in Pakistan’s history, has led the military and political leaders to rethink their anti-terrorism resolve.

In a rare gesture Chief of Army Staff Gen Syed Asim Munir has briefed the Parliamentary Committee on National Security. The main highlight of his speech was the pledge to transform Pakistan into a hard state. He maintained that no agenda, movement or individual was more important than national security. “All elements of national power must work in harmony to ensure sustainable stability,” he added.The army chief described the fight against terrorism as a war for the survival of the nation. He underscored the need to improve governance and transform Pakistan into a hard state. He asked how long the country could continue being a soft state while its defenders sacrificed their lives. He also expressed concern over governance gaps for which armed forces and security personnel had to pay with their blood. The army chief urged the ulema to expose........

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