The Latest Security Situation in Pakistan
Latest Security Situation in Pakistan
The security situation in Latest News Pakistan remains unstable due to ongoing terrorism, civil unrest and sectarian violence. A high degree of caution is advised.
Terrorist groups continue to pose a significant threat to the government, military and civilians in the country. They use a variety of tactics including targeted killings, different types of IEDs, suicide attacks, kidnappings, grenade blasts and rocket attacks. They also have the potential to target international interests. The most prominent terrorist groups active in the country are Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan, Al Qaeda, Islamic State Khorasan Province and Haqqani Network.
Attacks on police and law enforcement personnel remain common, especially in the mainly provincial Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) and Balochistan provinces. Attacks on religious minorities and civilians occur, with the most frequent targets being Shi’a Muslims, Ahmadis, Christians and Hindus. Attacks by militants on public spaces and places of worship are frequent, as is the use of suicide bombings.
The Latest Security Situation in Pakistan
Government authorities regularly harass and detain journalists who criticize the government or its policies, with a number of them subjected to violence. They impose draconian sedition and counterterrorism laws to curb dissent, and they tightly control or restrict civil society groups that are critical of the government’s actions and policies. The government has failed to protect women and religious minorities from discrimination, violence and oppression, and it has done little to hold perpetrators accountable.
Hundreds of women and religious minorities have been victims of honour killings in recent years. In July, the torture and murder of British woman Noor Muqadam led to nationwide protests; her family had refused to accept a marriage proposal from a childhood friend who later turned into a militant leader. The authorities did not prosecute him.
Pakistan’s strained relationship with Afghanistan is also a concern. Officials believe that the Taliban have benefitted enormously from safe havens in the country. Despite the deteriorating situation in Kabul, Pakistan continues to support a peaceful resolution of the conflict.
In 2022, Pakistan took steps to counter terrorism financing and restrain some India-focused terrorist groups. It successfully prosecuted a FBI most-wanted terrorist and Lahkar-e-Tayyiba senior leader on charges of terrorism funding. In October, the FATF removed Pakistan from its gray list of jurisdictions with strategic deficiencies in their AML/CFT systems.
Exercise a high degree of caution in the capital, Islamabad and throughout the country due to terrorism and political unrest. Avoid non-essential travel to the Balochistan province, as there is a risk of violence from nationalist and separatist insurgents and the presence of government forces.
The region is also a popular route for smugglers bringing drugs into Iran and other destinations in Asia. There is a risk of armed attack against foreigners, especially those involved in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. Pakistani security forces have a poor human rights record and are often implicated in serious abuses. They have been accused of torture, ill-treatment and illegal arrests. Several high profile cases have been highlighted in the media. Some have been deported to the United States.