The use of Afghan land for terrorism in Pakistan should be raised at the diplomatic level.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has stated that China-friendly Pakistan is playing an important role in the development and prosperity of the country, their security is our security, they will be provided with full-proof security measures, and no opportunity will be allowed to affect the stable and extensive friendship between both countries on a daily basis.
He expressed these thoughts during a meeting with Chinese engineers working on the Dasu Hydropower Project. On the other hand, following a suicide bombing attack, four facilitators, including ten terrorists, associated with the banned organization TTP, were arrested, while the suicide bomber was said to be Afghan.
At a time when the federal government is looking towards the IMF and other friendly countries to overcome economic challenges, and CPEC is entering its second phase with the opening of special economic zones and inviting multinational companies for investment in various sectors for economic revival, such terrorist attacks can pose challenges for the new government.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is soon to visit China, and in the current situation, these attacks can divert attention from economic projects to Chinese projects and the protection of cities. It is good news that Chinese workers and engineers working on the project will resume their duties within two days. Security for Chinese citizens working on the project has been increased.
It is no longer possible to deny the fact that terrorism incidents are not limited to a single province. From the federal capital to provincial capitals, important installations, non-nationals, police, and even army personnel are all under threat. The current rulers of Afghanistan are struggling to sever their longstanding ties with the terrorist groups seeking refuge in the country.
Terrorists are adjusting themselves in a diplomatic manner to the current situation, which has made it difficult for global countermeasures against terrorism. Incidents of terrorism indicate that our people working for peace are always fulfilling their duties under extremely dangerous conditions.
Nationalist circles have repeatedly warned in the past that the US Army has left weapons and military equipment in Afghanistan, which can potentially reach terrorist groups in Afghanistan. Therefore, caution is necessary, but attention was not given to these issues, and today the consequences are visible to everyone.
Some analysts argue that attacks on Chinese nationals in Pakistan indicate issues within the security system. Terrorism has revealed several such aspects that need attention from policymakers. Chinese engineers and workers in Pakistan have been targeted in the past as well.
Terrorism in Pakistan has a very complex and diverse landscape. Afghanistan has an area of 2.5 million square miles. Apart from a couple of cities, the entire region is living in an ancient tribal and feudal manner that is extremely backward in terms of conservatism, scientific progress, and modernity, limited infrastructure, no middle class, and educated urban elite leaving the country for other countries, the state lack of a penal or criminal procedure code, and the absence of a criminal justice system.
Land laws, company and banking regulations, and regulatory authorities are either inactive or non-existent, and the authority of the central government is exercised through Taliban commanders and their forces. In such a country or geography, establishing a foothold for warlords, terrorist groups, and criminal mafias, and illegal immigration is extremely easy. Local people are under the influence of these groups.
Due to this situation, Afghanistan has become a problem for neighboring countries, and Pakistan is the most affected by this situation.
After the Gwadar Port project, a new wave of terrorism and sabotage has begun in Pakistan, and along with it, an unnamed movement of separatism has started in Balochistan. Instead of blaming any country, the new wave of terrorism needs to be analyzed and a policy needs to be formulated in its light.
The use of new technologies in terrorism poses a special challenge. In fact, terrorists are using online platforms to build and expand their networks, for the purchase of weapons, and to obtain logistical and financial assistance.
Terrorist groups are taking full advantage of social media’s increasing popularity in recruiting young people. In addition to enlisting and fundraising for terrorism, terrorists are making full use of new technologies to spread their propaganda and distorted statements. Therefore, acquiring skills in the use of information and communication technology to combat terrorism, ending terrorist funding through online transaction technologies, keeping an eye on online transactions technology, and investigating the risks and opportunities of fund raising methods is essential.
At the global level, terrorists and other non-state actors have also used drones to attack important military and diplomatic installations. There are many examples of this in the world.
Regarding negotiations with the TTP, the same policy has been in place in every era, that if they accept Pakistan’s constitution, negotiations can be held with them, and no contact can be made with them otherwise. The government is also responsible for determining its priorities to deal with the growing threats of terrorism and setting up new contours of foreign policy in changing circumstances.
If Afghanistan is being used for terrorism in Pakistan, it should be raised at the diplomatic level. In this regard, discussions should be held with the Afghan government, and solid assurances should be obtained. In the backdrop of established Taliban rule in Afghanistan, our relationship with them is not so bad that we cannot talk to them about these incidents.
The Taliban leadership in Afghanistan should also accept this fact that divided terrorist groups, their financial interests, and their mutual relationships can be destructive for the transitional government of Afghanistan. Now only through initiative and wisdom can we get out of this maelstrom. Extremist groups and individuals are taking full advantage of social media to promote their ideologies.
The use of social media by India and Afghanistan to promote negative influence against Pakistan presents a worrying challenge in the complex South Asian geopolitical scenario. Many networks are spreading anti-Pakistan content in multiple languages, including Urdu, Pashto, Arabic, and English. In this situation, it is everyone’s responsibility to keep an eagle eye around us and not indulge in any doubtful propaganda of enemies of the country.
The use of the internet for the purposes of terrorism poses a major challenge for international counter-terrorism, cyber security, and digital governance. We need to strengthen the legal system, make the judicial system strong and stable, improve the exchange of information related to threats, enhance border security, curb terrorist financing, and make efforts to strengthen political will and capabilities to deal with terrorism.