The latest Global Terrorism Index 2025 reveals a sharp rise in terrorist attacks in Pakistan since the Afghan Taliban took control of Afghanistan. The report, published by the Institute for Economics and Peace, ranks Pakistan as the second most affected country by terrorism.
According to the report, terrorist attacks in Pakistan surged by 45% in 2024. It confirms Pakistan’s long-standing concerns regarding Afghanistan. The findings highlight that since 2021, when the Taliban took over Afghanistan, terrorism in Pakistan has intensified. The primary cause of this surge is the banned Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which shares deep ties with the Afghan Taliban.
The report underscores that the Taliban’s rule in Afghanistan has provided safe havens for the TTP. This group is now responsible for 52% of the deaths caused by terrorism in Pakistan. The alarming increase in attacks comes just a day after the United States acknowledged Pakistan’s commitment to fighting terrorism. In his first address to Congress, US President Donald Trump appreciated Pakistan’s role in capturing and extraditing a wanted terrorist.
This recognition comes at a crucial time, especially after the joint statement issued last month by the US and India. That statement leveled baseless allegations against Pakistan while ignoring its sacrifices in the war on terror. The terrorist attacks in Pakistan have taken a devastating toll. Over 10,000 security personnel and 80,000 civilians have lost their lives, and the country has suffered an economic loss of more than $150 billion.
Pakistan has always been at the forefront of the fight against terrorism. As a non-NATO ally of the US, it played a key role in ensuring the safe withdrawal of US and allied forces from Afghanistan. Pakistan consistently emphasized that a peaceful Afghanistan is essential for lasting regional stability. The global community must act to prevent Afghanistan from becoming a terrorist stronghold again. It should press the Taliban to honor the Doha Agreement and curb terrorist groups operating from its soil.
Pakistan’s concerns about security threats from Afghanistan are now being acknowledged globally. Even the United States has expressed worry over terrorists gaining access to American weapons. Pakistan maintains that terrorism is a global challenge that requires collective action. Stronger intelligence-sharing and enhanced security cooperation among nations are essential to counter this growing menace.
The rising security threats from Afghanistan endanger not just Pakistan but also global peace. A new and comprehensive security strategy is needed to tackle this escalating crisis effectively.
