Resilient Resolve: Pakistan’s Unyielding Fight Against Terrorism
Considering the evolving threats and the escalating propaganda by terrorist proxies, one thing remains clear: the state of Pakistan is neither uninformed nor offhand. Pakistan has faced the menace of terrorism in its worst form. During the counter-terrorism exercise, Pakistan has dealt with proxy warfare, propaganda, and dismantled the terrorist networks. A new phenomenon that Pakistan is noticing today is the resurfacing of terrorist groups with new names. Given the renewed threats, the state has re-strategized its counter-terrorism approach.
Recent developments indicate a convergence between the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) and Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). These fragmented groups, once cornered by successive counterterrorism operations, are now attempting to re-group under a different banner. Through the use of new propaganda techniques and disinformation, they are now attempting to discredit state institutions. The history, however, validates that Pakistan’s security forces see through everything.
Propaganda is Never Reality
The resurgence in the disinformation campaign and propaganda against Pakistan and its state institutions is not new. The sudden resurgence in coordinated disinformation campaigns targeting Pakistan, particularly in online jihadist literature and fringe media publications, is no coincidence. These narratives, crafted abroad and propagated through digital channels, try to present terrorist factions as “victims” or “revolutionary forces” fighting against fabricated oppressors.
But Pakistan sees beyond this smoke screen. Terrorists thrive on confusion and deception. They thrive when nations are divided and when security forces are politically restrained. Pakistan, however, is united in its stance, and the state’s commitment to defending its citizens from terrorism remains unshakable.
The armed forces, law enforcement agencies, and intelligence services operate with complete coordination and real-time surveillance of terrorist movements, whether within Pakistan or across the porous border with Afghanistan. Propaganda does not protect militants from drones, intelligence operations, or ground strikes. Mere slogans and ideological fabrications cannot override the reality of precise Pakistani responses.
ISKP and TTP is One Entity
While ISKP attempts to present itself as an ideologically superior alternative, it is nothing more than a repackaged version of the same militant cancer that has infected this region for years. Along with the TTP, these groups have waged war not for religion, reform, or resistance, but for power, chaos, and criminal enterprise.
Both groups have openly targeted mosques, schools, women, minorities, and civilians in direct contradiction to every principle of humanity and religion. Now, as they face military defeats and eroding support, they try to reframe their purpose with grand-sounding manifestos and anti-state rants.
Their literature often attempts to stir divisions between Pakistan and its people, Pakistan and its neighbors, and Pakistan and its allies. It is a desperate attempt to remain relevant. But no distortion can change the fact: these groups are designated terrorist entities. They are being hunted, and they are running out of space, funds, and followers.
Strategic Responses Are Underway
Over the past year, Pakistan has intensified its internal security posture and strengthened its border fencing, surveillance, and coordination with international allies. Intelligence-Based Operations (IBOs) have been conducted successfully in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, dismantling several hideouts of ISKP and TTP.
Pakistan has shared credible intelligence with regional partners, warning of cross-border infiltration attempts, especially from Afghan territory, where some remnants of these groups still find shelter.
The National Action Plan (NAP) has been reinvigorated with new urgency, focusing not just on kinetic operations, but on counter-extremism, counter-financing, and online propaganda monitoring.
Despite provocations and threats, Pakistan has refrained from grandstanding or impulsive actions. But restraint must not be mistaken for weakness. The state has shown before through operations like Zarb-e-Azb and Radd-ul-Fasaad that when it moves, it moves decisively.
Pakistan Will Not Be Intimidated
There is a growing pattern where terrorist networks attempt to exploit global attention be it the Gaza conflict, the situation in Kashmir, or instability in Afghanistan to rebrand themselves and redirect narratives. They attempt to project Pakistan as complicit or as a roadblock to their delusional goals.
This is not new, and Pakistan has seen this tactic play out before. However, Pakistan has clarity of vision and precision in execution. Any group that dares to operate against the state, directly or through proxies, will be dealt with by law, justice, and overwhelming force.
The attempts to portray Pakistan as a state that lacks awareness or resolve are both laughable and dangerous. The country has bled too much, sacrificed too many, and spent too long fighting this war to now let media narratives undo its hard-won gains.
A Message to Terrorist Apologists
Let this be a warning to those who sympathize with or provide cover for these terrorist networks, whether through ideology, finances, or disinformation. The state is watching, and there is no tolerance for appeasement or ambiguity. No one is above the law when it comes to national security.
Attempts to create division between the public and the armed forces, or between Pakistan and its neighbors, will fail. Pakistan stands united. Its people trust its institutions. And its security forces will never allow foreign-funded mercenaries, radical groups, or digital jihadists to hijack peace.
An Iron Fist Awaits
Pakistan’s policy is unambiguous: zero tolerance for terrorism, be it in mountains, cities, madrassas, or media. The myth of invincibility around groups like ISKP and TTP has been shattered. They no longer operate from a position of strength, but from the shadows of desperation.
To all enemies of peace, know this:
Your disinformation is dead on arrival.
Your safe havens are vanishing.
And your end is inevitable.
Pakistan is watching. And Pakistan will strike.
