In the midst of Pakistan’s political and economic unrest, the resurgence of terrorist threats presents a serious issue that demands immediate and targeted commitment in order to prevent further upheaval. Radicalization thrives in political upheavals and recessions as it can take advantage of the hole left by failing institutions and upended financial landscapes. The revival of TTP in the western border areas of Pakistan has resulted in an extraordinary spike in terrorist activities, marking the year 2022 with an unparalleled level of violence. To avoid the dangerous repercussions that unchecked resurgence could bring to a country which is already on the verge of collapse, a prompt and forceful response is crucial. However, the question arises that given the current economic and political uncertainty how can Pakistan combat against the revival of terrorist forces.

In the past decade and a half, The TTP has played a significant role in inflicting violence in Pakistan. After 2014 and the years that followed, Pakistani security forces destroyed its infrastructure, forcing the organization to seek safety in Afghanistan. However, since the Taliban administration took over Afghanistan in August 2021, Pakistan’s internal security has worsened.  In November 2022, the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) broke its ceasefire and urged its fighters to resume large-scale operations throughout the nation. This decision by the TTP triggered an escalation in violent activities, resulting in an increased frequency of attacks by 55%. For Pakistan, which was experiencing severe macroeconomic and political unrest, this new wave of terrorism puts the country in a worrisome predicament.

The surge in violent attacks across the country comes at a time when the nation is already grappling with economic turbulence, plunging currency and danger of sovereign default. Vital industries including tourism, trade, and foreign direct investment have been negatively impacted as reluctant potential investors and companies fear for their security and stability. As seen in May 2023, Islamist terrorists attacked Hungarian operator MOL’s gas production facilities in northwest Pakistan killing four police officers and two private security guards. The operator temporarily shut down the wells supplying the targeted gas plant, disrupting gas supplies to millions of people in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and damaging the country’s energy infrastructure.

The current socio-economic status of Pakistan clearly shows that the country is in no position to simultaneously address the security and economic concerns. Less financing is available for development initiatives that could promote economic growth as the government reallocates resources to address security issues. Delays in important infrastructure projects impede progress and intensifies the nation’s current economic problems. The expenditures of counterterrorism initiatives, including emergency response and law enforcement, take money from much needed investments in social, health, and educational programs. Pakistan’s efforts to promote tourism as a viable source of FDI have been hampered by the bombing on the Serena Hotel in Quetta in April, 2021 and other attacks targeting hotels and tourist destinations like Swat Valley in 2023. Foreign travelers are deterred and investments in the hospitality industry are discouraged by the perception of a dangerous travel environment.

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which is a flagship project for bilateral economic cooperation between China and Pakistan also suffered the blow of terrorism resurgence. The security of CPEC’s employees and infrastructure has come under criticism due to the frequent terrorist attacks. These security issues could deter foreign investment, extend project timetables, and raise operational expenses, all of which could have an effect on the CPEC initiative’s overall development and success. The attack on a bus carrying Chinese workers near the Dasu hydropower plant in July 2021 highlighted the vulnerability of foreign workers and investments, prompting a review of security procedures.

Terrorist organizations use chaos to promote their goals and thrive in environments of conflict and political unrest. Pakistan, a country accustomed to instability and terrorism, is currently experiencing a crisis of unmatched dimensions. The ongoing political tensions between establishment, state institutions and political leaders along with troubled governance and delayed elections have created political chaos. Terrorist organizations like Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and Baloch separatists benefit from this circumstance because it gives them an opportunity to take advantage of tensions and inspire their fighters. The security forces’ attempts to build national consensus in the battle against terrorist organizations and gain political ownership of counterterrorism initiatives are likely to be hindered by Pakistan’s current political polarization.

Given the precarious economic and political condition of Pakistan amidst growing terrorism, the country is in dire need of a prioritized and swift action to combat against it. It is more difficult to develop a coherent and comprehensive national security policy in a divided and polarized society. To develop a thorough counterterrorism plan, the government and the opposition should cooperate closely with the security forces. It is the need of the hour that rather than politicizing the matters of security, state institutions should resolve their political conflicts through constitutional amendments and other political reforms. The National Counter Terrorism Authority (Nacta) needs to play a leading role in combating terrorism, and the National Action Plan (NAP) needs to be put into action.