Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif’s recent statement is not merely a political speech; it reflects the collective state of mind of Pakistan at a time when the growing threat of terrorism is once again demanding a resolute national response. When he declares that terrorism will be uprooted from Pakistan’s soil and drowned in the Arabian Sea, he is, in essence, articulating a synthesis of national resolve, state response, and the bitter lessons of the past. It is no longer hidden from anyone that terrorism is re-emerging in an organized form within the country and that behind it lie not only internal factors, but also regional and global interests at play.
The Cost Pakistan Has Paid in the War on Terror
Over the past two decades, Pakistan has paid an immeasurable price in its war against terrorism one that cannot be encapsulated by any single statistic or statement. Thousands of soldiers and officers, police personnel, intelligence operatives, and countless civilians have lost their lives. The economy has suffered losses amounting to hundreds of billions of dollars, the social fabric has been deeply scarred, and Pakistan has repeatedly been compelled to defend its position on the global stage. Yet, the resurgence of terrorism today does not signify a weak state; rather, it underscores the anxiety of hostile forces threatened by Pakistan’s stability and determined to see it destabilized from within.
Terrorism as an Organized and Externally Enabled Threat
The Prime Minister’s explicit reference to the nexus between the Khawarij TTP and the TTA is a crucial point. These groups are not driven solely by ideology; they operate with organized resources, modern weaponry, and external patronage. The changing dynamics in Afghanistan, the reconfiguration of power balances in the region, and the tacit support of certain global actors have provided these elements with renewed space to regroup. From state-level assessments to ground realities, it has become evident that terrorism is no longer merely an internal insurgency it has assumed the character of a proxy war.
Lessons from Past Counterterrorism Operations
By invoking the example of 2018, the Prime Minister effectively reminded the nation that when the state stands united, when political leadership and the military are aligned, and when the nation rallies with collective determination, even a complex war like terrorism can be won. Operations Zarb-e-Azb and Radd-ul-Fasaad stand as clear evidence: decisive action dismantled terrorist networks, severed their financial lifelines, and forced them into retreat. Today, the imperative is to revive this model in light of new realities this time not only on the military front, but also across economic, social, and diplomatic domains.
Economic Stability as a Pillar of Counterterrorism
The link between terrorism and the economy is profound. Poverty, unemployment, and economic instability create the very vacuum in which extremist ideologies take root. The Prime Minister’s assertion that Pakistan must break free from debt, eradicate poverty, and uproot terrorism points toward a comprehensive national agenda. Without education, employment, and hope for a better future, young people remain vulnerable to manipulation by hostile elements. Hence, the fight against terrorism cannot be waged by force alone; it must also be pursued through economic reform, social justice, and improved governance.
Pakistan’s Role and Recognition in the Global Fight Against Terrorism
In the international context, the Prime Minister’s statement carries exceptional significance. Pakistan has not only shed the blood of its citizens in the global fight against terrorism, but has also shielded the world from grave dangers. Its role in combating Al-Qaeda, ISIS, and other transnational extremist organizations is a recognized reality. Yet, the international community has often responded with double standards. The time has come to remind the world that had Pakistan not stood firm on this front, the reach of terrorism would have been far wider. Words of gratitude may not heal wounds, but fairness and genuine cooperation can help bring this war to a logical and just conclusion.
National Unity in a Polarized Political Climate
The emphasis on national unity and cohesion is particularly critical in today’s polarized political environment. Internal political tensions, mutual accusations, and deepening divisions have drained national energy. The war against terrorism is not the responsibility of any single party, institution, or government it is a collective national struggle. If political differences are not set aside, even temporarily, in the interest of national security, hostile forces will exploit these very fissures. History bears witness that when a nation stands united, even the gravest threats can be overcome.
A Warning and a Commitment for the Future
In conclusion, the Prime Minister’s statement serves both as a warning and a pledge. A warning because failure to learn from past mistakes could drag the country back to conditions that took years to escape. And a pledge because the State of Pakistan can no longer afford ambiguity. To eradicate terrorism at its roots, decisive action, internal unity, a strong economy, and proactive diplomacy are indispensable. This is the path that can lead Pakistan toward a future that is not only secure, but also sovereign, stable, and dignified.
