The administrations of North Waziristan, South Waziristan, and Tank districts in northwestern Pakistan have implemented a daytime curfew after a sharp rise in militant activities. These measures come amidst increasing attacks targeting security forces and civilians, exacerbating the already strained security situation in the region.
Recent incidents include a train hijacking in Balochistan that killed 31 people and a suicide bombing in Nushki, which claimed five lives. Militant groups, including the Pakistani Taliban (TTP), have intensified activities, focusing on ambushing security convoys, setting up checkpoints, and carrying out targeted killings. The surge in violence has forced authorities to take precautions, restricting civilian movement and urging cooperation with security personnel during curfew hours.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif convened high-ranking civilian and military leaders to strategize on combating the renewed wave of terrorism. Calling for unity, Sharif emphasized the full force of the state would be used to counter militants. These meetings also highlighted concerns over the use of social media by militants for propaganda and coordination, reinforcing the need for stronger digital security measures.
North and South Waziristan, areas previously cleared of militants a decade ago, have once again become hotspots for insurgency. Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remain the main theaters of activity, responsible for 96% of militancy-related casualties over the past year. A startling report shows militancy-related deaths in Pakistan rose by 45% in 2024 compared to the previous year.
This escalation highlights broader regional instability, and officials have accused neighboring nations of supporting insurgencies in Pakistan’s border areas. Both India and Afghanistan have denied these allegations. Meanwhile, calls for better governance and actionable steps to dismantle militant networks remain at the center of Pakistan’s national security efforts.
