Hassan Ahmad<\/p>\n
The Brussels-based renowned think tank, the International Crisis Group (ICG), has endorsed Pakistan\u2019s concerns regarding the growing menace of cross-border terrorism emanating from Afghanistan. In a recent report, the think tank underscored the bitter reality that Pakistan has been the worst-hit country since the return of the Taliban to power in Kabul. Violence in Pakistan has escalated since 2022, with the past year alone witnessing the loss of over 600 Pakistani citizens, including civilians and law enforcement officials, primarily in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan \u2013 the two provinces sharing a border with Afghanistan.
\nIslamabad accuses the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), along with Baloch separatist terrorist groups allegedly backed by India, of orchestrating these attacks, citing evidence to support its claims. The persistent unwillingness of the Afghan Taliban to act against anti-Pakistan terrorist groups has remained a major bone of contention in bilateral relations between Islamabad and Kabul. Internal stability and political unity are essential to tackling the challenges posed by cross-border terrorism. Present relations between the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and federal governments are far from satisfactory and merit serious re-examination in the context of mounting security threats. The political trajectory of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), particularly its reliance on aggressive social media trolling, has also affected the KP government\u2019s stance on terrorism-related matters and broader national security concerns.
\nThe rampant use of foul language against political opponents and derogatory trends targeting national institutions is fuelling toxicity and chaos. This unwise approach has not only polarised the party\u2019s supporters but has also undermined its credibility and effectiveness in governance. PTI\u2019s over-reliance on catchy slogans and grand promises has fostered a culture of blind followership, where criticism is met with abuse and personal attacks. This has resulted in a significant leadership vacuum, eventually weakening the party\u2019s political foundations.
\nThe newly appointed chief minister of KP appears more inclined towards political protests in other provinces rather than focusing on improving governance in his own. What transpired during his recent visit to Lahore was particularly disappointing for saner quarters. Ironically, both camps \u2013 the PML-N and the PTI \u2013 acted immaturely and contributed to further political polarisation. A convoy of the Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Aain Pakistan (TTAP) reached Lahore with the apparent aim of triggering street protest mobilisation, while the KP chief minister has also travelled to Sindh on a similar mission.
\nWhile protest is a constitutional right, critics too have the right to question the timing, motives, and modalities of such political actions. Excessive indulgence by the KP chief minister in protest activities \u2013 especially in other provincial capitals \u2013 appears inappropriate at a time when his own province is confronting one of the worst waves of cross-border terrorism. The PTI\u2019s stance on terrorism lacks the requisite clarity and objectivity, as reflected in its differences with the federal government and the concerns expressed in the recent press briefing by the DG ISPR.
\nIn this context, recent court-mandated forensic findings related to the events of May 9 serve as a stark reminder that slogans and victimhood narratives cannot indefinitely outrun documented evidence and due process. A political movement that treats accountability as persecution and institutions as adversaries inevitably deepens polarisation at a moment when national unity and stability are indispensable for confronting existential security threats.
\nThe PTI\u2019s social media wing has increasingly become a problematic force that dictates the party\u2019s agenda without proper leadership oversight or assessment. Anonymous online trolls have hijacked the narrative, compelling spokespersons to adopt extreme positions devoid of rational thought. This has damaged the party\u2019s public image and compromised its internal decision-making processes.
\nThe party\u2019s stance on key national issues \u2013 including cross-border terrorism and the repatriation of illegal Afghan immigrants \u2013 continues to draw criticism. A group of absconding YouTubers based abroad has effectively hijacked PTI\u2019s agenda, reducing it to a band of non-serious influencers detached from core strategic national concerns. The party\u2019s political future now hangs in the balance. It is time for PTI\u2019s leadership to make a clear choice between perpetuating victimhood rhetoric centred on the release of imprisoned leaders and prioritising governance, responsibility, and constructive engagement within Pakistan\u2019s democratic mainstream.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Hassan Ahmad The Brussels-based renowned think tank, the International Crisis Group (ICG), has endorsed Pakistan\u2019s concerns regarding the growing menace of cross-border terrorism emanating from Afghanistan. In a recent report, the think tank underscored the bitter reality that Pakistan has been the worst-hit country since the return of the Taliban to power in Kabul. Violence […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[10],"tags":[13509],"class_list":{"0":"post-525409","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-article","7":"tag-hassan-ahmad"},"yoast_head":"\n