The Escalating Threat of Terrorism in Pakistan

Article sourced from ECSPE.org

In recent years, Pakistan has been grappling with a severe escalation in terrorism that has tragically claimed around 60,000 lives over the past thirteen years. This alarming figure underscores the harsh reality of the threat that looms over the nation.

The Karachi Airport Attack: A Case Study in Terror

One of the most audacious attacks unfolded on a quiet Sunday night when militants launched a deadly assault on Jinnah International Airport, Karachi’s largest airport. Reports from various media outlets indicate that ten heavily armed militants, donned in suicide vests and wielding automatic weapons and grenades, breached the airport’s security. They used forged ID cards from the Airport Security Force to infiltrate through Fokker Gate, a service entrance, and unleashed chaos on the runway. The harrowing assault resulted in the deaths of 23 individuals, including all 10 terrorists. Local media captured the grim scene, described as an orange blaze lighting up the night sky, with silhouettes of jets eerily visible amid the fire.

A History of High-Profile Attacks

This incident at Jinnah International was not an isolated event. Pakistan has witnessed several high-value targets come under attack over the years:

– In May 2011, militants attacked the Pakistani Naval base in Karachi, resulting in 10 soldiers dead and 15 severely wounded.

– December 2009 saw seven gunmen wreak havoc in the Parade Line Mosque at an army base in Rawalpindi, killing 32 and injuring over 65.

– The Taliban targeted the GHQ Army headquarters in October 2009.

– On June 4, 2014, two lieutenant colonels, Zahir Shah and Arshad, were assassinated in a suicide attack.

The Broader Impact on Society

The pervasive atmosphere of terror has not only targeted military and high-security zones but has also severely affected minority communities across Pakistan. Christians, Ahmadis, Hindus, and even moderate Muslims live in constant fear, with many seeking refuge abroad. In 2012 alone, thousands of Hindus fled to India, and numerous Christians and Ahmadis sought asylum in various South Asian countries.

The roots of this widespread violence and extremism trace back to the 1980s and the Islamization policies of Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq. These policies invited Mujahideen fighters from across the Islamic world to combat Soviet forces, inadvertently setting the stage for long-term unrest and sectarian violence in Pakistan.

The Government’s Role and Public Sentiment

There is growing skepticism about the government’s ability to protect its citizens, particularly when it seems unable to safeguard even the army installations and other sensitive areas. This sentiment is exacerbated by the government’s apparent propaganda and controversial agendas against the armed forces, further destabilizing the situation and possibly preventing effective operations against Taliban forces and other terrorist entities.

Conclusion: The Path Forward

The situation in Pakistan remains fraught with challenges as the threat of terrorism continues to evolve. It is imperative for both the government and international allies to forge a strong, unified response to restore peace and security.

We Have to Stand for What is Right!

As we stand with Pakistan during these testing times, join the conversation and share your thoughts on how we can collectively combat the scourge of terrorism. Your voice matters in the global fight for peace and security. Engage with us in the comments below or share this article on social media to raise awareness about this critical issue.

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