The Taliban’s Takeover of Afghanistan and Pakistan’s Terrorism Problem

Abstract

While Pakistan mainly focuses on its geopolitical gains vis-à-vis India in the shape of the Afghan Taliban’s return to Kabul, the developments since the Taliban’s takeover have brought serious security challenges for Pakistan. Besides, the resurgence of Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Islamic State-Khorasan Province has also increased its terrorist attacks in Pakistan. As both terrorist groups have a strong presence in Afghanistan, Islamabad has no other option but to work with the Taliban. By examining terrorism in Pakistan since August 2021, this paper focuses on how Pakistan has responded to its growing terrorism problem. This paper argues that a variety of domestic and external factors will influence Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts, including its own political instability, relationship with the Taliban and a political settlement with the TTP.