Pakistan – the once flourishing factory breeding and exporting terrorism in its neighbourhood – is now paying the price for its mistakes. The militant groups that Pakistan historically cultivated, trained and armed in India and Afghanistan as part of its state policy in the 1980s are making Pakistan bleed through its nose.
Terrorist attacks in Lahore, Peshawar, and Karachi are proof that Pakistan has signed its own death warrant and is today unable to cope up with terrorism, extremism, and insurgencies on its soil. These attacks have been part of a larger pattern of organised crime, violence and instability that has plagued the country for years.
Peshawar – hub for militancy, cross-border infiltration & smuggling
Peshawar, the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in north-western Pakistan, is a major hub for militancy, cross-border infiltration, smuggling, and ethnic conflict. Over the past few decades, Peshawar has witnessed a number of terrorist attacks perpetrated by militant groups like Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Al-Qaeda, and others. Most of these militant groups want to set up base in Peshawar because of its strategic location, and proximity to Pakistan’s tribal areas and the Afghan border.
Factors behind militancy in Peshawar
Haven for terrorism: Peshawar’s porous border makes it an attractive region for militants to operate from. Even today militants continue to use Peshawar as a corridor for smuggling arms between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Peshawar also serves as a trans-shipment point for movement of narcotics across the border.
Gateway to the tribal areas: Peshawar is close to Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), which were largely outside the control of the central government and served as a sanctuary for insurgent and militant groups. These areas, especially Khyber Agency and North Waziristan have traditionally been recruitment centre for the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Al-Qaeda, and other militant factions.
Safe haven to rest, regroup, or plan operations: Peshawar offers a safe haven for militants, smugglers, and insurgent groups to rest, regroup, or plan operations due to its proximity to the Khyber Pass that connects Pakistan to Afghanistan.
Platform for spreading terrorist ideology: Mosques, and madrasas in Peshawar provide an ideal platform to highlight the benefits of jihad and portray Pakistan as an enemy of Islam. Some groups also use pamphlets, leaflets, and local radio stations to disseminate their messages.
Hub for militant activity: Peshawar’s population density and narrow alleys make it easy for militants to hide, plan operations, and execute attacks while making it harder for security forces to isolate and identify the militants. The presence of militant sympathizers or sleeper cells within the city complicates the job of the security forces.
Cross-border family and clan ties: Many families have members living on both sides of the border, who share ethnic ties with each other. This facilitates the movement of fighters and enables a porous flow of individuals who support or join insurgent movements. As a result militants can operate with impunity and find it easier to get the help of local sympathizers or collaborators who provide logistical support, shelter, or intelligence.
Cultural and Social Dynamics: Peshawar, with its large Pashtun population, has long had deep cultural and ethnic ties to the Pashtun tribal areas in Pakistan and Afghanistan, where many militant groups find their base. The shared language (Pashto) and tribal traditions foster a sense of solidarity, which some militant groups exploit to build a network of supporters. The concept of Pashtunwali, a traditional code of honour is exploited by the militants to justify that their actions are legitimate and befitting for defending Pashtun values or rights.
Lahore- base for logistical support, recruitment, and propaganda
Lahore the capital of Punjab province in Pakistan has witnessed several high-profile bombings and shootings over the years. The history of militancy and anti-Pakistan sentiments in Lahore are closely linked to the Afghan-Soviet War (1979-1989) when Pakistan, under the leadership of Gen Zia-ul-Haq declared jihad against the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. As a result Lahore saw the establishment of numerous madrassas which supported the war effort both ideologically and logistically. Many of these madrassas funded by foreign donations became schools for training, motivation and indoctrination of the mujahedeen fighters.
After the Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan in 1989, these militants returned back to Pakistan with their weapons, training and battle hardened ideologies. Many of these religious fanatics and extremists only knew how to use violence to promote their ideology. As a result, Lahore which once proudly claimed to be the cultural, political, and economic capital of Pakistan, became a focal point for militant activities in the 1990s. Several terrorist organizations like the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Jamaat-ul-Ahrar (a faction of the TTP), Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Lashkar-e-Jhangvi and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) set up shop in Lahore. Sectarian groups like Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan (SSP) and Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ) transformed Lahore into a battleground and started killing religious minorities like Shia Muslims and Christians.
Pakistan’s decision to participate in the US led global War on Terror (Sept 11, 2001) was yet another landmark that led to resentment among the militants who felt that the Pakistan was acting as a puppet of the West. This led to attacks in Lahore to retaliate against Pakistan’s cooperation with the United States. Several new militant groups like the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Lashkar-e-Taiba (also known as Jama’at-ud-Da’awa) based in Muridke near Lahore, and al-Qaeda sought to overthrow the Pakistani government, which they perceived to be too secular and aligned with the West. Anti-Pakistan sentiments reached a peak in Lahore in the aftermath of military operations in the tribal areas.
Many militant groups including the TTP branded the Pakistani government as an enemy of Islam and started anti-Pakistan propaganda through social media, religious seminars, and printed materials.
Factors behind militancy in Lahore
Strategic Location and population density: Lahore the second-largest city in Pakistan, due to its proximity to Pakistan’s capital Islamabad, and other major cities is ideally suited from the militant’s point of view. The dense population in urban areas provides anonymity for militants to carry out operations and blend in with the general populace.
Cultural and religious landscape: Lahore has many political parties and madrasas which propagate religious propaganda and hard-line ideologies via online media, religious schools, and social circles. Militant groups exploit the feelings of frustrated young men by offering them a sense of purpose, identity, and belonging through violent jihad.
Social media: Militant groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), and Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) regularly post videos on social media, showing brutal attacks, martyrdom, and speeches of their leaders, encouraging people to join the cause. Militants also call upon their supporters to revolt against the Pakistan government, military, or Western forces. Extremist groups often use social media to call for attacks on specific targets, including government buildings, military personnel, religious minorities, or even civilians who are deemed “un-Islamic” or as enemies of the jihadist cause. These calls often lead to copycat attacks or inspire lone-wolf attackers.
Political and security dynamics: As the capital, most populous province and heart of Punjab, Lahore influences the political mood in Pakistan. In the past two decades, Lahore has witnessed many bombings, suicide attacks, and militant operations.
Counterterrorism: Lahore has faced many challenges from militant groups seeking to destabilize Pakistan and radicalize its youth. Lahore has also been prone to sectarian violence fuelled by political interests. Terrorist groups in Lahore have started using encrypted communication methods for online recruitment, and digital propaganda.
Karachi – the base for violence, militancy, and extremism
Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city and economic hub, has long struggled with a complex web of violence, militancy, and extremism. Over the last two decades, Karachi has witnessed violence from a variety of sources, including ethnic groups, criminal gangs, and militant organizations. The city has witnessed many bombings, targeted killings, and clashes between rival groups.
Factors behind militancy in Karachi
Base for terrorism: Karachi is a haven for terrorist groups like al-Qaeda and Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) with large number of Afghan refugees who fought in Afghanistan in the 1980s. After the fall of the Taliban government in Afghanistan these Taliban fighters started coming back to Karachi and spreading militancy.
Ethnic groups: Karachi is home to a wide range of ethnic groups, including Muhajirs (post-Partition immigrants from India), Sindhis, Pashtuns, Baloch, and Punjabis. Political parties in Karachi, like the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) have often exploited the ethnic divisions for political gain, leading to confrontation and militancy.
Sectarian Violence: Karachi has a large number of Shia and Sunni Muslims who are perpetually fighting each other. Sectarian groups like Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ) and Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan (SSP) are responsible for targeting Shia Muslims.
Criminal Networks: Karachi is famous for drug trafficking, extortion, and organized crime. Militant groups often exploit the criminal underworld for funding, arms, and logistical support. These groups sometimes form alliances with criminal syndicates to achieve their goals, which further exacerbates the city’s lawlessness.
Extortion and targeted killings: Militant groups are involved in extortion activities, demanding money from businesses or individuals, under the guise of religious or political causes. The city has also witnessed high-profile targeted killings of political and religious figures, often carried out by militant groups to further their agendas.
Poverty and economic inequality: Karachi has some of Pakistan’s richest and poorest population. The divide between rich and poor leads to frustration. Lack of opportunities and economic hardship make the youth vulnerable to extremist ideologies. Terrorist group often drum up anti-western sentiment to recruit the youth by projecting violence and jihad as the solution for their problems.
Unemployment: A large proportion of Karachi’s youth is unemployed or underemployed, making them susceptible to recruitment by militant groups that offer both financial incentives and a sense of purpose. The allure of joining a militant group, often sold as a way to assert power and status, draws disenfranchised young people into the ranks of extremist organizations.
Also Read: Is Pakistan Heading towards a total collapse?
Religious radicalization and ideological influence: Deobandi and Salafi ideologies, associated with groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, have found a strong following in parts of Karachi. The rise of madrassas (Islamic schools) promoting radical ideologies has been a significant factor in the spread of extremism in the city. These madrassas often act as breeding grounds for militant thought and recruitment.
Jihadi ideology: The city’s proximity to Afghanistan make it a prime recruitment base for the belligerent jihadi elements. This has led to the rise of local and international militant groups motivated by global jihadi ideologies.
Political Fragmentation: Karachi’s landscape is interspersed by political parties like the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) as well as ethnic groups like MQM. These parties and groups are deeply fragmented and represent different ethnic groups and conflicting interests leading to political violence and instability. Many of these outfits in Karachi their own militant wings or affiliated with militant groups to intimidate rivals, control territory, and gain leverage in the city’s political landscape.
Inadequate Policing: Karachi’s biggest problem is weak policing, insufficient resources, and corruption in the law enforcement agencies. This along with inefficient intelligence gathering by the ISI (Inter-Services Intelligence) and CID (Criminal Investigation Department) allows militant groups to operate relatively freely, regroup, and expand their operations in Karachi.
Also Read: Pakistan – shameless or spineless?
Cross-border militancy: Karachi’s proximity to Afghanistan and its location as a major port city have made it a target for regional actors seeking to influence or destabilize Pakistan. Militant groups from Afghanistan cross over to Karachi and use it as a transit point for operations in Pakistan.
Conclusion
The ongoing acts of violence and instability in Lahore, Peshawar, and Karachi are symptomatic of a larger crisis of governance in Pakistan. Pakistan is paying a heavy price for exporting terrorism and militancy. The very groups like the Afghan Taliban, and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) that Pakistan once supported, trained, armed, and funded are today raising anti-Pakistan slogans.
Lesson learnt – exporting terrorism even for short-term gains can backfire — setting ablaze the very nation that once nurtured these forces.
