The Cost of Inaction

Terrorism persists despite government assurances and resources fail to ensure peace.

Shabbir Hussain Imam

At Quetta Railway Station a suicide bomber struck. The blast tore through the crowd, leaving destruction and heartbreak in its wake. A single question now lingers: Where is the security? The outlawed Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has taken credit for this atrocious act, yet the actual accountability for this tragedy could rest elsewhere—possibly with those charged with safeguarding the public. Will government leaders come forth to acknowledge the burden of their shortcomings?

Across the country, voices of outrage have risen. Government officials, religious leaders, and politicians have all condemned the attack. Words were spoken—loud and clear—but words alone do not bring change. Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif promised that those who harm innocent citizens will "pay a heavy price." But what does that mean, really? How long will we listen to empty promises before we see real action?

The commitment to "take action" against terrorists has been echoed by many, including Home Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who promised to go "to the last mile" for peace in Balochistan. However, following each catastrophic terrorist attack, we receive the same assurances, the same commitments of determination. And still, in spite of the immense resources and authority available to the government, the issue persists: why has terrorism continued to proliferate rapidly throughout this region?

The government lacks a cohesive counterterrorism plan; military determination alone is insufficient for success.

What’s missing here isn’t the will—it’s the way. The government lacks a clear, cohesive strategy to fight terrorism. Words alone won’t cut it. Condemning violence is easy. But real change? That demands more. It requires bold action, meticulous planning, and seamless coordination. Just like the military has shown, over and over. From Zarb-e-Azb to Radd-ul-Fasaad, the Pakistan Army has been relentless. Soldiers have sacrificed their lives. Hundreds of militants have been neutralized. Their determination has never wavered. But here’s the question: Where’s the government’s resolve? How long can we depend on promises, while the threat grows?

The seriousness of the situation cannot be exaggerated. The "stability of Pakistan" could indeed be jeopardized as the Pakistan Army maintains its actions against terrorists. But what about the role of the government? Where does strategic planning stand at the civilian level? It seems that, regardless of the knowledge and resources available to it, the government is still shrouded in a haze of indecision. The country is calling for more than mere words—it is seeking action.

Therein lies the critical flaw. Terrorism cannot be eradicated with speeches alone. Without the support of the people, no government can succeed in its policies. And yet, the government seems to be stumbling in its attempts to win that vital support. It must build a united front, bring the people together, and act decisively. The time for complacency has passed. Now is the time for bold, concrete measures. The people are restless, and so too is the specter of terrorism.

Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa face attacks; violence spreading across Pakistan.

Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are reeling from repeated attacks, and these regions are not alone. The ripple effects of violence now stretch into Sindh and Punjab, where terrorist networks are quietly gaining ground, inching closer to a tipping point. The question we must all ask is this: How many more innocent lives must be lost before the government steps up with real, lasting solutions?

Terrorists’ networks are not only deeply entrenched within Pakistan’s borders. Their reach extends beyond, with disturbing reports of foreign connections—particularly with Afghanistan and India—emerging. While the evidence of international involvement is undeniable, we must not become so consumed by the actions of others that we fail to examine our own house. Our own internal factors, those conditions that enable and embolden these terrorists, must be scrutinized and eliminated.

Terrorism persists due to unresolved domestic issues.

The reality is tough, yet essential: terrorism cannot be eradicated until we address the underlying issues within our own country. We need to question ourselves: What steps are we taking to change the situation? What methods can we use to disrupt the networks that extend beyond our cities and cross international borders? These are not inquiries for the future. They need to be addressed today.

Ends.