Shehbaz Sharif, Prime Minister of Pakistan, issued a statement on October 25, 2025 demanding an investigation of all factors contributing to the resurgence of terrorism across Pakistan – especially Balochistan – with particular reference to understanding its causes and renewed unrest. While terrorism had been substantially eradicated as of 2018 (with significant reductions in both casualty numbers and instability levels), recent years have witnessed increased loss of life as well as instability.

Terrorism’s Resurgent Return

Terrorist activities have markedly returned in recent months. On April 15, 2025, a bus carrying personnel from Balochistan Constabulary was attacked with an IED device in Mastung District, leading to three soldiers’ deaths and twenty injuries; Islamic State-Khorasan Province (ISKP) claimed responsibility for this deadly assault, furthering an alarming trend of extremist groups operating within Balochistan Province.
Wikipedia
On May 6, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s northwestern region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, an early morning raid on an Orakzai Taliban hideout resulted in a fierce gunbattle which resulted in 11 Pakistani soldiers and 19 militants being killed, the military identified as Khwarij, which refers to militants suspected to be supported by India, such as members of Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Baloch Liberation Army (BLA). TTP later claimed responsibility for attacking their troops before BLA claimed responsibility by BLA for attacking their troops (AP News).
Government Action and Strategic Solutions.

Responding to this escalating threat, in June 2024 the government initiated Operation Azm-e-Istehkam with the intent of eliminating terrorism through military action and socioeconomic development. This operation involves multiple agencies and is focused on regions like Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa where extremist groups have established strongholds. Prime Minister Sharif has noted that Operation Azm-e-Istehkam should not be seen as a large scale military campaign but as an integrated comprehensive strategy designed to restore peace and stability – see Wikipedia
Regional and Global Perspectives

Pakistan’s rise of terrorism can also be traced to cross-border dynamics, specifically that in Afghanistan. Pakistan has accused Kabul of harboring TTP militants; Kabul denies these charges. Afghanistan claimed in October 2025 to have killed 58 Pakistani soldiers overnight border operations; this caused further tensions between both nations; however Pakistan reported 23 deaths but claimed they destroyed several Afghan positions; violent clashes took place along the disputed borders including Torkham and Chaman crossings which were closed due to tensions. These tensions led to tensions at both ends; which resulted in Torkham and Chaman crossings being closed due to tensions.
Politico
Prime Minister Sharif recently issued a call for national unity in the fight against terrorism, emphasizing that Pakistan must come together as one to overcome its challenges. He called upon all political parties, civil society organizations, and members of the public to support his government initiatives to restore peace and security throughout Pakistan. His statement underscores his dedication to eliminating the root causes of terrorism while creating a stable and prosperous future for Pakistan.

The government’s approach combines military action with socio-economic development in order to address the multidimensional nature of terrorism. While challenges still exist, the dedication to an inclusive strategy signals its determination in combatting extremism and restoring peace in the region.