A recent US State Department report highlights the continued threat of terrorism in Pakistan. Forty-one terrorist groups remain active, exploiting weaknesses in financial systems, including cash couriers and illegal money transfers. The report emphasizes the critical vulnerability of porous borders with Afghanistan, which facilitate illicit financial flows.
The assessment analyzed 87 terrorist organizations and identified key funding sources as donations and extortion. Despite progress in counter-terrorism efforts, 2023 witnessed a significant increase in terrorist attacks, exceeding the previous year by over 50%. Civilians and security forces were frequent targets, with provinces like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan experiencing concentrated violence. Groups like the TTP, Balochistan Liberation Army, and local ISIS affiliates employed explosives and small arms in their attacks.
The report also raises concerns about the continued operation of unregistered madrassahs, some of which may promote ideologies that could lead to violent extremism.
Source: Dawn, December 16, 2024