Pakistan continues to grapple with internal insurgency despite efforts such as border fencing, border closures, and strikes in Afghanistan, as highlighted in a recent report. The persistence of militant violence within Pakistan remains a challenge, even after years of military operations, surveillance, and emergency laws.
In 2025, Pakistan witnessed 1,066 militant attacks, the highest since 2014, with a 17% increase compared to the previous year, according to the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS). Despite security forces conducting 482 operations and killing 2,138 militants, attacks escalated, primarily concentrated in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.
Military actions can disrupt militant networks and prevent attacks, but addressing the root causes requires more than just military force, noted Afghan researcher Dawood Safi. The political legitimacy and addressing grievances of marginalized communities like the Pashtuns in Balochistan are crucial in combating insurgency within Pakistan.
Pakistan’s military interventions in Afghanistan, including airstrikes and border closures, have not fully resolved the insurgency within its borders. The focus on external threats has not effectively addressed the domestic roots of militancy, leading to a persistent crisis within the country.
