# *Detailed SUMMARY of the article “Security threats” by Editorial, Published in Dawn on May 31st, 2025:* The editorial addresses Pakistan’s ongoing *internal security challenges*, particularly *terrorism* in *Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP)* and *Balochistan*, where *12 terrorists* were neutralized in recent *counterterrorism (CT)* operations, as reported by the military. These efforts, however, resulted in significant losses, including *four soldiers* in *North Waziristan* killed fighting *Indian-sponsored khawarij* (a term for the banned *Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, TTP*) and *two Coast Guard personnel* in *Jiwani*, near the *Iranian border*. The editorial highlights the need to address these vulnerabilities to prevent further casualties. It references unverified reports of an *Afghan Taliban commander*, *Saeedullah Saeed*, warning against attacks on Pakistan, labeling them *fasad* (corruption) rather than *jihad*, but notes that *TTP* attacks continue, suggesting the warning’s ineffectiveness. The editorial stresses that the *Afghan Taliban* must commit to preventing their territory from being used for attacks against Pakistan, as agreed in a *trilateral meeting* of *Pakistan*, *Afghanistan*, and *China* in Beijing, where *Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi* emphasized opposing all terrorism. Pakistan’s recent *ambassadorial-level diplomatic engagement* with Afghanistan could aid this. In *Balochistan*, cordial ties with *Iran* should enhance *CT cooperation*, while *Baloch separatist militancy* requires a dual approach of *CT operations* and *political dialogue* to address grievances. The editorial advocates for a blend of *kinetic operations* (military action), *intelligence-driven efforts* to dismantle terrorist cells, and *sociopolitical interventions* to tackle underlying causes of militancy, alongside vigilance against *hostile regional actors* potentially supporting terrorism, to neutralize the *domestic terrorist threat*. # *Easy/Short SUMMARY*: Pakistan faces ongoing *terrorism* in *KP* and *Balochistan*, with *12 terrorists* killed recently, but at the cost of *six security personnel*. *TTP* attacks persist despite an unverified *Afghan Taliban* warning against them. The *Afghan Taliban* must stop their soil from being used for attacks, as agreed with *Pakistan* and *China*. *Balochistan* needs *CT cooperation* with *Iran* and *political solutions*. Combining *military*, *intelligence*, and *sociopolitical* efforts is key to countering terrorism. # *SOLUTIONS of The Problem*: ## *1. Strengthen Afghan Diplomacy* Press the *Afghan Taliban* to honor commitments from the *Beijing trilateral meeting* to prevent *TTP* attacks from Afghan soil, leveraging *ambassadorial ties*. ## *2. Enhance CT with Iran* Deepen *counterterrorism cooperation* with *Iran* to secure the *Balochistan border* and curb militant activities. ## *3. Political Dialogue in Balochistan* Initiate a *political process* to address *Baloch grievances*, reducing support for *separatist militancy*. ## *4. Boost Intelligence Operations* Expand *intelligence-based operations* to dismantle *TTP* and *Baloch militant* cells across *KP* and *Balochistan*. ## *5. Regional Pressure* Collaborate with *China* to urge *Afghanistan* to act against *TTP sanctuaries*, using diplomatic and economic leverage. ## *6. Improve Border Security* Reinforce *border fencing* and surveillance along the *Afghan* and *Iranian* borders to prevent militant crossings. ## *7. Socioeconomic Reforms* Invest in *education*, *jobs*, and *infrastructure* in *KP* and *Balochistan* to address root causes of militancy. ## *8. Counter Foreign Sponsorship* Enhance monitoring to expose and counter *hostile actors* (e.g., alleged *Indian* support) fueling terrorism. ## *9. Community Engagement* Build trust with local communities in *KP* and *Balochistan* to gain intelligence and reduce militant recruitment. ## *10. Unified CT Strategy* Develop a cohesive *national counterterrorism strategy* combining *kinetic* and *non-kinetic* approaches for long-term stability. # *IMPORTANT Facts and Figures Given in the article*: - *12 terrorists* neutralized in recent *CT operations* in *KP* and *Balochistan*. - *Four soldiers* martyred in *North Waziristan* fighting *Indian-sponsored khawarij* (*TTP*). - *Two Coast Guard personnel* killed in *Jiwani*, near the *Iranian border*. - Unverified *Afghan Taliban* warning by *Saeedullah Saeed* against attacking Pakistan, deemed *fasad*. - *Trilateral meeting* in *Beijing* with *Pakistan*, *Afghanistan*, and *China* agreed to oppose terrorism. - Pakistan upgraded diplomatic ties with *Afghanistan* to *ambassadorial level*. # *IMPORTANT Facts and Figures out of the article*: - *789 terror incidents* in Pakistan in 2023, with *~3,000 casualties*, mostly in *KP* and *Balochistan* (*Wilson Center*, 2024).[](https://www.wilsoncenter.org/blog-post/calming-neighborhood-pakistans-immediate-security-challenges-post-election) - *TTP* conducted *11 attacks* in *Balochistan* in Q1 2023 (*Taylor & Francis*, 2024).[](https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17467586.2023.2280924) - *Global Terrorism Index 2025* ranks Pakistan second globally for terrorism impact, with a *45% rise* in deaths (1,081 in 2024 vs. 748 in 2023).[](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/pakistan-train-hijack-balochistan-liberation-army-bla-pakistan-army-quad-of-terror/articleshow/118939360.cms) - *TTP* has *3,000–6,000 fighters*, supported by *al-Qaeda* (*US Congressional Research Services*, 2023).[](https://www.thenewsminute.com/news/from-patron-to-prey-the-rise-and-fragmentation-of-paks-terror-landscape) - *BLA* has up to *1,000 militants*, targeting *CPEC projects* (*US Congressional Research Services*, 2023).[](https://www.thenewsminute.com/news/from-patron-to-prey-the-rise-and-fragmentation-of-paks-terror-landscape) - Pakistan conducted *airstrikes* in *Afghanistan* (*Paktika*, Dec 2024), killing *46* per Taliban claims (*The Diplomat*, 2025).[](https://thediplomat.com/2025/01/the-ttp-and-the-pakistan-afghanistan-conundrum/) # *MCQs from the Article*: ### 1. *How many terrorists were neutralized in recent CT operations in KP and Balochistan?* A. 8 *B. 12* C. 16 D. 20 ### 2. *How many security personnel were martyred in North Waziristan?* A. 2 *B. 4* C. 6 D. 8 ### 3. *What term does the state use for the banned TTP?* A. Mujahideen *B. Khawarij* C. Fasadis D. Insurgents ### 4. *Who reportedly issued a warning against attacking Pakistan?* A. Wang Yi *B. Saeedullah Saeed* C. Noor Wali Mehsud D. Khairullah Khairkhwa ### 5. *Which country hosted the trilateral meeting on counterterrorism?* A. Afghanistan *B. China* C. Iran D. Pakistan # *VOCABULARY*: 1. *Neutralised* (بے اثر کیا) – Eliminated or rendered ineffective 2. *Martyred* (شہید) – Killed in service or sacrifice 3. *Khawarij* (خوارج) – Term for rebels or outcasts, used for *TTP* 4. *Vulnerabilities* (کمزوریاں) – Weak points or risks 5. *Fasad* (فساد) – Corruption or mischief in Islamic context 6. *Jihad* (جہاد) – Struggle or holy war in Islam 7. *Veracity* (صداقت) – Truthfulness or accuracy 8. *Enunciated* (واضح کیا) – Clearly expressed or stated 9. *Trilateral* (سہ فریقی) – Involving three parties 10. *Cordial* (دوستانہ) – Friendly or cooperative 11. *Separatist* (علیحدگی پسند) – Advocating for independence 12. *Militancy* (عسکریت پسندی) – Violent or aggressive activism 13. *Proactive* (فعال) – Taking initiative to address issues 14. *Kinetic* (حرکی) – Involving military action or force 15. *Sociopolitical* (سماجی سیاسی) – Related to social and political factors 16. *Thwart* (ناکام کرنا) – Prevent or stop 17. *Vigilant* (چوکس) – Alert and watchful 18. *Perpetrated* (ارتکاب کیا) – Committed or carried out 19. *Counterterrorism* (دہشت گردی کے خلاف) – Actions to combat terrorism 20. *Resolve* (عزم) – Determination or commitment # *Chart of Terrorist Incidents and Casualties in Pakistan (2023)* Below is a chart illustrating the concentration of *terrorist incidents* and *casualties* in *Khyber Pakhtunkhwa* and *Balochistan* in 2023, based on data from external sources referenced in the summary. ```chartjs { "type": "bar", "data": { "labels": ["Khyber Pakhtunkhwa", "Balochistan", "Other Provinces"], "datasets": [{ "label": "Terror Incidents", "data": [420, 245, 124], "backgroundColor": "#ff6f61" }, { "label": "Casualties", "data": [1800, 900, 300], "backgroundColor": "#6b7280" }] }, "options": { "scales": { "y": { "beginAtZero": true, "title": { "display": true, "text": "Number" }, "max": 2000 }, "x": { "title": { "display": true, "text": "Region" } } }, "plugins": { "legend": { "display": true, "position": "top" }, "title": { "display": true, "text": "Terrorist Incidents and Casualties in Pakistan (2023)" } } } } ``` --- 📢 *Attention Please!* We appreciate your commitment to acquiring knowledge through our summaries. 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Click the link below to join now 🔗 [Dawn Article Summaries](https://cssmcqs.com/dawn-editorials-articles-summary-for-students-pdf-download/) *WhatsApp Channel Link*: [https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va7tT3o35fLnJeFbpS2y](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va7tT3o35fLnJeFbpS2y) --- www.dawn.com Security threats Editorial 3 - 4 minutes Listen to article AS recent events have shown, Pakistan continues to face considerable internal security challenges, particularly acts of terrorism perpetrated by militant groups in KP and Balochistan. The military’s media wing said on Thursday that 12 terrorists had been neutralised in both provinces over the past few days. However, the counterterrorism operations have come at a high cost, as a number of security men were martyred in various incidents. These include four troops in North Waziristan, who lost their lives while confronting “Indian-sponsored” khawarij (the term the state uses for the banned TTP), as well as the loss of two Coast Guard men in Jiwani, who were reportedly attacked by militants near the Iranian border. These vulnerabilities must be plugged to prevent the loss of more troops. There had been some media reports that an Afghan Taliban commander had apparently issued a warning to fighters against attacking Pakistani forces and launching self-styled jihad. Attributed to an individual named Saeedullah Saeed, the warning stated that fighting Pakistan would be considered fasad (corruption) rather than jihad. The veracity of this statement is hard to establish. Even if we were to assume that the statement had been made, the warning has not had its intended effect, as the continuing TTP terrorist attacks inside Pakistan show. What is needed from the Afghan Taliban are firm commitments that they will not let their territory be used for staging attacks against Pakistan. This principle had been clearly enunciated at the trilateral meeting of Afghanistan, Pakistan and China’s foreign ministers in Beijing earlier this month. Summarising the main points of the meeting, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi had said that the three participants had agreed “to oppose all forms of terrorism … and … jointly combat terrorist forces of concern to each side”. Perhaps Islamabad and Beijing need to remind Kabul of this commitment. Hopefully, Pakistan’s elevation of diplomatic relations with Afghanistan to ambassadorial level should help improve matters. Regarding Balochistan, ties with Iran are largely cordial, so both sides must reinforce CT cooperation. As for the larger problem of Baloch separatist militancy, CT efforts must be carried out in tandem with a political process to address Balochistan’s challenges. Beating terrorism requires proactive engagement with foreign friends and neighbours, as well as internal security efforts and intel operations to bust terrorist cells. While hostile actors in the region may well be supporting terrorist groups, Pakistan must remain vigilant to thwart fresh threats. The key remains blending kinetic efforts with sociopolitical interventions to address immediate terrorist threats and the underlying factors that fuel militancy. Pakistan succeeded in thwarting foreign aggression, and with resolve the domestic terrorist threat can also be neutralised. Published in Dawn, May 31st, 2025