Dr. Naveed Elahi

“Forward, the Light Brigade!”

Was there a man dismayed?

Not though the soldier knew

   Someone had blundered.

   Theirs not to make reply,

   Theirs not to reason why,

   Theirs but to do and die.

   Into the valley of Death

   Rode the six hundred.

                                   —   Lord Tennyson Alfred

Over two dozen security personnel lost their lives in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa within two days, reflecting a troubling escalation in militant violence in the region. On Monday, eight security personnel were martyred, and three others sustained injuries during intense gun battles in Tirah Valley. The clashes erupted after armed militants launched an assault on a military camp near the Bagh-Maidan Markaz. In the exchange of fire, nine ‘Khawarij’ (militants) were also killed.

Tuesday brought further tragedy when a suicide attack targeted the Mali Khel checkpoint in Bannu, causing significant casualties. The same day, twelve security personnel were martyred, and six militants were neutralized following another attack on a checkpost in Mali Khel. The suicide blast caused the perimeter wall of the checkpost to collapse, resulting in the deaths of ten soldiers and two Frontier Constabulary personnel. According to the military’s media affairs wing, the attempt to breach the post was thwarted by the prompt response of the troops, forcing the attackers to detonate an explosive-laden vehicle outside the wall. The attacker “khwarij,” were engaged and eliminated during the ensuing firefight.

These incidents are part of a broader trend of increasing militant activity in Bannu and surrounding areas. The district has recently witnessed a surge in violent incidents, including the abduction of police officers, an attack on a girls’ school, and targeted assaults on law enforcement personnel. The resurgence of militancy poses significant challenges to regional security and underscores the need for enhanced counter-terrorism measures.

The nature of these attacks, including the use of suicide bombings and coordinated assaults, highlights operational and intelligence gaps in preempting militant activities. The preparation and movement of a large number of militants should not go unnoticed. The militants’ ability to carry out such attacks indicates sophisticated planning and access to resources, raising concerns about their organizational strength and intent to destabilize the region further. Bannu’s strategic location near tribal areas has historically made it a hotspot for insurgent operations, emphasizing the importance of bolstering security in the area.

The loss of over two dozen personnel within such a short span is a significant blow, not only to the armed forces but also to public confidence in the state’s ability to ensure security. This series of attacks calls for immediate measures to address the vulnerabilities in security infrastructure and operational readiness. Strengthening intelligence coordination among the military, police, and intelligence agencies is imperative to preempt attacks and dismantle militant networks. Advanced surveillance technologies, including drones and AI-based monitoring systems, should be deployed to enhance situational awareness and detect threats, such as vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIEDs).

Reinforcing security installations with blast-resistant materials and implementing layered defense protocols are essential to mitigate the impact of similar attacks in the future. Alongside these measures, engaging local communities to gather actionable intelligence and build trust can significantly aid counter-terrorism efforts. Community participation, coupled with campaigns to counter extremist narratives, will be key to undermining the support base of militant groups. Training and incentives should be given to the local volunteers to enable them to give intelligence and security support to police, FC and Army.

Rapid Force (RF) must be raised and developed to respond within minutes on SOS call from any troubled spots. The exchange of fire for hours shows that support and help does not reach the spot within required time. Highly trained men of RF must be equipped with helicopters and armoured vehicles. A doable plan should be devised to ensure RP cover to all FC checkposts and police stations in the vulnerable and remote areas.

Government should think of introducing private military companies (PMCs) concept on the pattern of ‘Blackwater’.  It can address Pakistan’s escalating security challenges by providing additional manpower, specialized expertise, and operational flexibility to support overstretched national forces. PMCs could focus on securing critical infrastructure, such as CPEC projects, and offer cost-effective, targeted solutions to combat terrorism, allowing conventional forces to prioritize strategic operations. However, their implementation would require a robust legal framework, strict regulatory oversight, and clear accountability measures to address concerns about misconduct, public perception, and coordination with national forces. Emphasizing local PMCs could ensure national control, economic opportunities for skilled individuals, and reduced foreign influence. While PMCs can serve as a force multiplier, careful planning, public engagement, and a phased introduction through pilot projects are essential to ensure they complement security efforts.

International cooperation can also play a vital role in enhancing counter-terrorism capabilities. Collaborative efforts with neighboring countries to eliminate cross-border sanctuaries and securing technological assistance for intelligence and surveillance operations will strengthen Pakistan’s capacity to combat these threats. Transparency in communicating counter-terrorism successes and efforts will further bolster public trust and counter extremist propaganda.

Considering these suggestions, there is a need for comprehensive revision of the national counter-terrorism strategy to address the resurgence of militancy in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. This strategy should focus on technology, public and private sector support, targeted operations to dismantle militant networks and disrupt their financial and logistical support systems. Additionally, providing psychological and logistical support to security personnel stationed in high-risk areas will be crucial to maintaining morale and operational effectiveness.

The sacrifices of security personnel must not be in vain. To act decisively and comprehensively to addressing the root causes of militancy, reinforcing security mechanisms, raising PMCs and engaging the public in these efforts are essential steps toward annihilating the ‘Khawarij’, achieving sustainable peace and security in the region.

The writer is the chief editor of The Strategic Brief.