Table of Contents
What is the relationship between Pakistan and terrorism?
Pakistan and state-sponsored terrorism. Pakistan has been accused by neighbouring countries India, Afghanistan and Iran and other nations, including and other nations such as the United States the United Kingdom, and France of involvement in terrorist activities in the region and beyond.
How can the United States help Pakistan fight terrorism?
To some extent, the United States can help induce at least the last scenario by helping Pakistan develop politically-informed, sequential targeting counterterrorism strategies, focused on anti-Pakistani groups of regional and global concern. Former U.S. national security advisor Stephen Hadley has called for this as part of a larger strategy.
Will China take punitive action against Pakistan’s support for the Taliban?
Although China does not want to see a further destabilization of Afghanistan and an outward leakage of terrorism, it has not been willing to take punitive action against Pakistan’s support for the Haqqanis and the Afghan Taliban. Finally, Pakistan can court Saudi aid, which Saudi Arabia may grant, including as an anti-Iran hedge.
Why does Pakistan fear the Taliban in Afghanistan?
It fears an unstable Afghanistan that becomes a safe-haven for anti-Pakistan militant groups and a dangerous playground for outside powers (even though this has already happened). Pakistan bets that the Taliban will maintain significant power in Afghanistan—and perhaps even obtain formal political power—and does not want to alienate it.
Is Pakistan making progress on its 2015 National Action Plan to counter terrorism?
The Pakistani government also played a constructive role in U.S.-Taliban talks in 2019. Pakistan’s progress on the most difficult aspects of its 2015 National Action Plan to counter terrorism remains unfulfilled – specifically its pledge to dismantle all terrorist organizations without delay and discrimination.
How did Pakistan fare in 2019 in terms of terrorism?
Pakistan experienced significant terrorist threats in 2019, although the number of attacks and casualties was lower than in 2018, continuing an overall year-on-year decline.