By Uzma Ehtasham
Prime minister Shehbaz Sharif has once again placed Pakistan’s security challenge in its broader context, arguing that the recent wave of terrorism in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is not an isolated domestic phenomenon but the result of sustained external interference. Speaking at the inauguration of Danish schools during a one-day visit to Balochistan, he said hostile designs against Pakistan’s security would never be allowed to succeed and confirmed that Field Marshal Asim Munir is personally leading counter-terrorism operations being carried out by the security forces.
The prime minister pointed to the role of neighboring states in destabilizing peace, recalling that India had received what he described as a decisive response from Pakistan’s security forces in May last year. He also announced several development projects aimed at rebuilding flood-affected areas of Balochistan. At the same time, the army chief, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, reiterated a zero-tolerance policy on national security, underlining that nothing is more precious than the survival of the state.
During meetings in Islamabad with Bangladesh’s air chief, Hassan Mahmood Khan, and Pakistan Navy chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf, discussions focused on expanding defence cooperation between the two countries. The visiting air chief praised the Pakistan armed forces for their role in promoting peace and their professional competence. Field Marshal Munir, meanwhile, stressed that the armed forces remain on constant alert to respond to any challenge, whether along Pakistan’s borders or within its territory. His visit to Lahore Garrison to review operational readiness reinforced that message, as he emphasized the military’s commitment to high standards, discipline and selfless service.
Taken together, these statements point to a rare and necessary alignment between Pakistan’s civilian and military leadership at a time of mounting pressure. The resurgence of terrorism in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has exposed an uncomfortable truth: Pakistan’s security threats are not merely internal but are deeply entangled with external designs aimed at destabilization. The prime minister’s remarks in Balochistan and the army chief’s unequivocal stance during high-level military engagements are part of a consistent national narrative that the state will not compromise on the defence of its territorial integrity or internal security.
There is growing consensus within official circles that militant networks operating in these regions enjoy foreign patronage. Groups described by the state as Fitna-e-Khawarij, Fitna-e-Hindustan, the Tehreek-e-Taliban and other proxy outfits allegedly backed by India are accused of targeting not only security institutions but also Pakistan’s social fabric, national cohesion and economic stability. Their objective appears clear: to keep the country in a state of perpetual instability, sabotage development and widen the trust deficit between citizens and the state.
In this context, the prime minister’s assertion that there can be no compromise on national security carries particular weight. Terrorism is not the burden of a single province, institution or government; it is a collective national challenge. Confronting it effectively now requires a coordinated state response, sustained political harmony and institutional unity. Without these elements, tactical successes on the battlefield risk remaining fragile and short-lived.
Under Field Marshal Asim Munir’s leadership, the armed forces have pursued counter-terrorism operations with determination and professional resolve. The army, air force, navy and other security agencies continue to counter hostile designs at the borders while also dismantling militant networks at home. Yet history has shown that military action alone cannot deliver lasting peace. Enduring success depends on political cohesion and a shared national consensus that rises above partisan interests.
It is therefore troubling that some political actors continue to treat terrorism as an opportunity for point-scoring. The government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, in particular, faces the responsibility of recognizing that casting suspicion on security forces, interpreting every attack through a narrow political lens and evading accountability only strengthens the militants’ narrative. Its primary duty lies in reinforcing counter-terrorism efforts in coordination with the federal government and military leadership, rather than weakening the state’s position through blame and division.
The struggle against terrorism cannot be won by force alone. Projects such as the Danish schools in Balochistan reflect an understanding that development and education are as vital as security operations. Establishing quality educational institutions in deprived areas offers young people hope, awareness and economic opportunity, cutting off the recruitment pipelines on which extremist groups rely.
Hostile forces understand that an educated, informed and resilient society is far harder to manipulate. This is why fear, chaos and deprivation are repeatedly weaponised in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The objective is not simply loss of life or property, but the erosion of Pakistan’s development vision. Any credible national security strategy must therefore integrate military action with social and economic development, good governance and swift justice.
At a national level, there can be no ambiguity on the question of terrorism. The enemy is clear, its objectives are clear, and resisting it demands an equally clear and unified national resolve. Political leaders must acknowledge that if the state weakens, politics itself cannot survive. Short-term gains achieved at the cost of national cohesion are ultimately self-defeating.
(The writer is a public health professional, journalist, and possesses expertise in health communication, having keen interest in national and international affairs, can be reached at uzma@metro-morning.com)
