Pakistan's Counter-Terrorism Strategies on the Shadow of Taliban's Return in Afghanistan

Abstract

For the last two decades, Pakistan has been engaged in countering the threat of terrorism, primarily emanating from its western border. However, the resurgence of the Taliban in Afghanistan in 2021 significantly impacted the region's security landscape and raised concerns in Pakistan about its counter-terrorism strategies. This paper examines how Pakistan has recalibrated its counter-terrorism approaches in response to the Taliban's return to power. The paradoxical nature of Pakistan’s position, balancing direct military confrontation with insurgent groups, such as Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and its historical ties to the Afghan Taliban, undoubtedly, complicate its policy responses. It argues that while Pakistan has intensified its border security through fencing of the 2600 km long porous border with Afghanistan and launched military operations in the former tribal districts, these measures have been undermined by the Taliban’s resurgence. Furthermore, the study underscores the role of international partnerships, particularly with the United States and China, in shaping Pakistan’s counter-terrorism discourse. The re-establishment of Taliban rule in Afghanistan has also intensified challenges related to the flow of refugees, the smuggling of weapons, and the cross-border movement of insurgents. All these developments exacerbate Pakistan’s internal security challenges. The paper concludes that while Pakistan has made significant strides in enhancing its counter-terrorism capabilities, the geopolitical and strategic implications of the Taliban’s return necessitate a more nuanced, multifactorial approach that integrates regional cooperation, intelligence sharing, and domestic policy reforms.