NAPping amid the security crisis

Express Tribune

19-03-2025

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Terrorism has remained one of Pakistan's gravest challenges, shaping the country's security landscape for more than a decade. The period from 2007 to 2014 was marked by relentless militant violence, targeting civilians, security forces and institutions. Suicide bombings, mass-casualty attacks and insurgencies in different parts of the country tested the resilience of the state and its people.
This dark chapter culminated in the horrific Army Public School (APS) massacre in Peshawar in December 2014, where over 140 innocent lives, mostly of children, were lost. That moment proved to be a turning point. The sheer brutality of the attack galvanised the entire nation, uniting political and military leadership, civil society and the public in a renewed commitment to eradicate terrorism. Out of this resolve emerged the National Action Plan (NAP) — a comprehensive 20-point strategy designed to counter terrorism and extremism at both operational and ideological levels.
At the heart of NAP was a clear division of responsibilities between the military and civilian leadership. While the security forces were tasked with kinetic actions, including military operations and counterterrorism measures, the civilian government was responsible for governance reforms, justice system improvements and deradicalisation efforts. In the years that followed, Pakistan's armed forces successfully launched operations like Zarb-e-Azb and Radd-ul-Fasaad, dismantling militant networks and restoring a semblance of stability. However, the non-kinetic measures — arguably just as crucial - remained largely unfulfilled. The failure to address governance deficiencies, delays in justice and socio-political marginalisation created space for militant narratives to resurface.
The recent hijacking of the Jaffar Express has once again shocked the nation, exposing the state's inability to assert control in Balochistan. This brazen attack, in which militants took passengers hostage and engaged in a prolonged standoff with security forces, has reignited concerns about Pakistan's deteriorating internal security.
The Jaffar Express attack is not an isolated event but part of a larger pattern of lawlessness that has gripped Balochistan, where insurgent groups continue to challenge the state with impunity. The failure to ensure passenger safety on a major railway route raises alarming questions about the effectiveness of security measures and intelligence gathering in the province.
This incident, alongside the resurgence of the Baloch separatist insurgency and the ongoing threat from TTP, highlights the urgent need to fully implement NAP. The state's kinetic responses have achieved significant battlefield successes, yet the deep-rooted grievances that fuel militancy remain unaddressed. The people of Balochistan, despite the province's rich natural resources, continue to suffer from economic deprivation, lack of political representation and systematic neglect. The merged districts of KP, formerly FATA, also remain underdeveloped and politically marginalised, making them susceptible to extremist influences. Without genuine reconciliation and socioeconomic integration, military operations alone cannot guarantee lasting peace.
One of the major obstacles to a full realisation of NAP has been the country's political instability. Abrupt changes in governments, inconsistent policies and the politicisation of institutions - particularly the judiciary — have significantly hindered progress. The pattern of reversing policies every three years has effectively set Pakistan back by 15 years. Instead of maintaining a consistent counterterrorism strategy, successive governments have either deprioritised key NAP provisions or engaged in political manoeuvring that has stalled critical reforms. The inability to establish long-term institutional frameworks for countering extremism and ensuring governance reforms has allowed militants to exploit the state's vulnerabilities.
Another key factor undermining counterterrorism efforts is the weakening of the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA). Designed as the central body to coordinate intelligence and implement NAP, NACTA has been largely sidelined due to bureaucratic inefficiencies and political disinterest. Additionally, judicial reforms must be expedited to ensure timely prosecution of terror suspects, as prolonged trials and delayed justice contribute to a culture of impunity.
The media also plays a crucial role in shaping public perception and countering extremist narratives. However, Pakistan's media landscape remains deeply polarised, often focusing more on political rivalries than on critical issues of national security. A concerted effort is needed to ensure that media platforms highlight the dangers of extremism and the necessity of implementing counterterrorism policies. Social media, in particular, has become a breeding ground for radicalisation, with extremist groups using digital platforms to recruit and spread propaganda. Regulatory mechanisms must be strengthened to monitor and counter extremist content without curbing legitimate freedom of expression.
Furthermore, Pakistan's counterterrorism efforts cannot succeed in isolation. Regional dynamics, particularly the situation in Afghanistan, have a direct impact on Pakistan's internal security. The resurgence of the Taliban in Afghanistan has emboldened groups like the TTP, which now operates with greater freedom across the border. Pakistan must adopt a more proactive diplomatic approach, engaging regional and international stakeholders to ensure that Afghanistan does not become a safe haven for terrorists.
It is also imperative for Pakistan to reassess its approach to religious extremism. To date the ideological battle against extremism remains largely unaddressed. Madrassa reforms, a key component of NAP, have seen little progress. Many religious seminaries continue to operate without regulation. The state must work closely with religious scholars to promote a counter-narrative that upholds tolerance and coexistence.
The time for half-hearted effort is over. Pakistan can no longer afford to treat counterterrorism as a short-term military campaign.
NAP remains Pakistan's most well-conceived framework for countering terrorism. Without its implementation Pakistan risks falling into a perpetual cycle of violence and instability.