The recent surge in terrorism has once again tested Pakistan’s resilience, with the tragic blast in Karachi serving as a grim reminder of the country’s ongoing battle against extremism. However, far from being deterred, this latest attack has only solidified Pakistan’s resolve to strengthen the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) — a multi-billion-dollar project that has the potential to transform not only Pakistan’s economy but also the wider region. The attack exposes the deeper geopolitical undercurrents at play, particularly the role of trans-border terrorism emanating from Afghanistan and the growing alliance among terrorist groups like banned Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Baloch separatists, and the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).
Pakistan’s battle against terrorism is no new chapter in its history. Since the early 2000s, the country has grappled with waves of extremist violence, much of it fed by the destabilizing spillovers of the U.S.-led war in Afghanistan. As the situation across the border evolved, so too did the terrorist threat in Pakistan. Following the Taliban’s 2021 return to power, Afghanistan has increasingly become a haven for anti-Pakistan terrorist groups, with the banned TTP and other militant organizations using Afghan soil as a launchpad for cross-border operations.
TTP’s Alliance with Baloch Separatists and Regional Security
This regional dynamic has been exacerbated by the evolving nexus between the TTP, Baloch separatist groups, and ISIS. These groups, once largely operating in separate spheres, now share a common agenda of destabilizing Pakistan and its strategic projects. CPEC, given its economic significance and role in strengthening Pakistan-China ties, has become a prime target for these militants. By attacking Karachi, the country’s economic hub, terrorists aim to not only promote fear but also disrupt the infrastructure that underpins CPEC.
The ongoing threats faced by Pakistan cannot be viewed in isolation; they are deeply intertwined with regional geopolitics. With Afghanistan increasingly slipping into chaos, militant groups find both sanctuary and operational flexibility to carry out their cross-border agendas. The involvement of external actors further complicates this issue. These terror outfits are emboldened by the lack of cohesive regional counterterrorism efforts and the inability of the Afghan Taliban to curb terrorist activity on its soil. If not checked, the transnational nature of these terror groups could draw states like China, Russia, India, and Iran into a regional conflict.
The TTP’s alliance with Baloch separatists adds a layer of complexity to Pakistan’s security landscape. These Baloch groups seek to disrupt CPEC in the southwestern province of Balochistan, a region that serves as the corridor’s gateway to the Arabian Sea via Gwadar port. Additionally, ISIS’s presence in the region adds a transnational dimension, as it seeks to expand its footprint across South Asia, with Afghanistan serving as a launchpad for its operations. The coordination among these terror factions reveals a dangerous alliance aimed at undermining regional development projects, while simultaneously escalating the risk of regional conflict.
In the face of this escalating terrorism, the role of regional players has become increasingly significant. China, Russia, India, and Iran — all of which have vested interests in regional stability and economic progress — must work together to counter this growing threat. CPEC, as part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), is not just a bilateral project between Islamabad and Beijing, but part of a broader vision to enhance connectivity and economic interdependence across Eurasia. Beijing’s increasing involvement in Pakistani security matters signals its growing recognition that economic progress can only occur in a stable and secure environment.
Transnational Nature of Terrorism in South Asia
Russia, too, has a role to play. As a major player in Central Asia and Afghanistan, Moscow understands the ramifications of unchecked terrorism spilling over into its sphere of influence. India, though often seen as a regional rival to Pakistan, also has much at stake. Although New Delhi has refrained from overt involvement in Afghanistan post-2021, it cannot ignore the growing terrorist threat on its western borders. Iran, which shares a long border with both Afghanistan and Pakistan, has its own reasons to be alarmed by the rising tide of militancy in the region. Tehran has already faced attacks on its border regions, and the porous Afghan border offers an easy transit point for militants.
The transnational nature of terrorism in South Asia and its adjacent regions calls for an urgent, coordinated response. The formation of a new regional security pact aimed at countering terrorism, intelligence-sharing, and joint military operations is no longer a strategic option — it is a necessity. Such a pact would bring together countries with diverse but interconnected interests in ensuring regional stability, and it could act as a bulwark against the encroaching threat of terrorism. Moreover, regional cooperation would help counter the foreign manipulation of these terror groups, which often serves the geopolitical interests of external actors.