For the first time, Pakistan has been ranked the world’s most terrorism-affected country, according to the Global Terrorism Index 2026 released by the Institute for Economics and Peace.
The report reinforces Pakistan’s position, noting that the current situation “follows a sharp resurgence in terrorist activity driven in part by the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan in 2021.”
Earlier, the United Nations also issued a scathing report on the threat of terrorism to Pakistan emanating from the Afghan hideouts.
Pakistan Among the Most Impacted Countries
The study paints a grim picture: 1,139 terrorism-related deaths were recorded in 2025, marking a 6 percent increase from the previous year, alongside 1,045 terrorist incidents. While the ranking may be new, the reality it reflects is not.
Pakistan has been a frontline state in the global fight against terrorism for over two decades. Entire regions, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), have endured repeated waves of violence, displacement, and destruction.
Pakistan’s Economic and Human Losses
Since joining the international campaign against terrorism after 2001, Pakistan has paid an immense human and economic price. Tens of thousands of lives have been lost—civilians, soldiers, police officers, and tribal communities alike.
Estimates suggest that more than 80,000 Pakistanis have lost their lives to terrorism, while the economic cost has exceeded $150 billion. Schools, mosques, markets, and security installations have all been targeted, underscoring the indiscriminate nature of the threat.
Pakistan’s struggle has never been confined within its borders; it has been deeply entangled with regional instability, particularly in neighboring Afghanistan.
Cross-Border Threats and Pakistan’s Security Concerns
The issue of cross-border terrorism remains central to Pakistan’s security concerns. Militant groups have long exploited ungoverned or loosely governed spaces across the Afghan border, using them as sanctuaries to launch attacks inside Pakistan.
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This concern was reiterated by Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir during his visit to Kurram in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Offering Eid prayers alongside troops stationed in the volatile region, he emphasized that terrorists operating from across the border would not be allowed to destabilize Pakistan.
He stated that Afghan soil must not be used by hostile elements for activities against Pakistan, reaffirming the country’s commitment to regional peace while underscoring that its security red lines are non-negotiable.
Ongoing Military Response and Counterterrorism Efforts
Munir’s visit also highlighted ongoing military operations under Operation Ghazab lil-Haq, aimed at dismantling terrorist networks and ensuring lasting peace in border regions.
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Praising the courage and professionalism of Pakistani soldiers, he attributed operational successes to the sacrifices of martyrs and the unwavering resolve of the armed forces.
Despite persistent threats, Pakistan continues to strengthen border security, conduct counterterrorism operations, and enhance surveillance in vulnerable regions.
Pakistan’s Stance: The Fight is Global
Pakistan has consistently framed the fight against terrorism as a global responsibility rather than a national burden. In a statement, the Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) said:
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“We are fighting the war of the entire world. The Taliban government in Afghanistan has been attempting to gather terrorists from across the globe on its soil. They have links not only with ISIS but also with the son of Osama bin Laden. This is not just Pakistan’s war—this is a war for global peace and stability.”
This reflects Pakistan’s long-standing position that the threats emanating from the region are transnational in nature. Groups such as ISIS-K have demonstrated their ability to operate across borders, recruit internationally, and destabilize multiple countries simultaneously.
A Broader Threat to Regional and Global Stability
Pakistan’s ranking on the Global Terrorism Index should not be viewed in isolation. It serves as a warning signal for the international community.
The concentration of militant networks in one region—particularly in a fragile neighboring state—has implications far beyond Pakistan’s borders. The evolving situation in Afghanistan continues to pose risks not only to Pakistan but to regional and global security.
Resilience Amid Persistent Threats
Security analysts note that even in the face of relentless attacks, Pakistan’s resilience remains evident. From large-scale military operations to community-level resistance, the country has repeatedly demonstrated its determination to confront extremism.
They also point to the high morale of Pakistan’s armed forces, as reflected during Asim Munir’s interaction with troops in forward areas.
Conclusion: A Shared Responsibility
As Pakistan confronts renewed threats, one reality remains clear: its fight against terrorism is not an isolated struggle. It is part of a broader battle for global security.
Recognizing and supporting this effort is not just an act of solidarity—it is essential for lasting international peace.
Kiran Asim is a writer who covers the U.S., Europe, South Asia, and the Middle East. Her reports and analyses look at the geostrategic issues and contemporary developments and their economic and political implications. She also writes about society and education.
