Sunday’s devastating suicide attack in Pakistan’s Bajaur district serves as a grim reminder of the persistent terrorist threat that haunts the country. With increasing violence following the Taliban’s resurgence in neighboring Afghanistan, Pakistan has witnessed a surge in terror attacks throughout the year, resulting in the loss of hundreds of lives. This article aims to shed light on the intricate dynamics of Pakistan’s jihadi ecosystem and the consequences of its selective approach towards combating extremism.
The recent bombing, claimed by the Islamic State Khorasan (ISKP), targeted the convention of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI), an Islamist political party aligned with Pakistan’s coalition government. It is worth noting that despite ideological similarities between JUI and Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which has claimed responsibility for previous attacks, ISKP labels JUI as “hypocrites” due to their participation in the constitutional-democratic process.
Pakistan has experienced a series of terror attacks since the late 1990s, when former Afghan mujahideen fighters redirected their focus towards domestic issues. The government’s historical approach has involved working with select jihadist groups while turning a blind eye to others. This contradictory strategy, warned against by Hillary Clinton years ago, has proven detrimental, leading to a staggering loss of lives and a continuous threat to national security.
Over the past two decades, Pakistan has endured over 16,000 reported terror attacks, resulting in more than 66,000 deaths. While groups like the Afghan Taliban enjoyed government support to further Pakistan’s interests in Afghanistan, Pakistan’s military also confronted international terrorist organizations such as Al-Qaeda and Islamic State. However, these distinctions made by Pakistani authorities often go unnoticed by the militants themselves, who operate in interconnected networks and benefit from cross-group cooperation.
Despite promises from military leaders to counter all forms of violent extremism, Pakistan has struggled to effectively implement a comprehensive counterterrorism plan. Failures to fully address the presence of radical elements within the country have allowed for the emergence of new offshoots and breakaway groups, perpetuating a cycle of violence and posing a constant threat to Pakistan’s stability.
Market Capital Research 