Released on, Aug. 22 — August 22, 2025 8:18 AM
On most days, the idea of peace seems like a far-off dream for regular Pakistanis, especially with the recent years bringing some of the harshest reminders yet. Sixteen soldiers were killed—16!—when a bomber drove his vehicle loaded with explosives into their convoy in Mir Ali on June 28. The air still feels the impact of such violence. Yet, this week, a new story is starting to take shape.
At the Sixth Trilateral Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held in Kabul, Pakistan emerged as the focal point of a revitalized effort for regional security. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar obtained serious commitments from Afghanistan and China to enhance collaboration in combating terrorism, marking a unique alignment in the face of unstable global politics.
The urgency is unmistakable. According to the Centre for Research and Security Studies, 2024 marked Pakistan’s most violent year in ten years, with 444 terrorist attacks, almost 700 security personnel killed, and more than 1,600 total fatalities. From the Peshawar seminary bombing to the Khuzdar school bus tragedy and the Bannu cantonment siege, terrorism keeps attacking without discrimination: in places of worship, on highways, and in educational institutions. Recently, the Taliban administration in Kabul has publicly pledged that Afghan territory will not be utilized by militants. This is a promise that Pakistan has consistently sought, but one that has rarely been fulfilled. Its trustworthiness is still questioned, yet this time it is backed by Chinese influence. Beijing’s backing, including joint military exercises and expanding CPEC routes, strengthens Islamabad’s stance and conveys to those who wish to disrupt peace that Pakistan is not alone.
Even the most severe opponents of PM Sharif will acknowledge that this represents a change from the deadlock that hindered communication just a few months back. Nevertheless, the true challenge is not in the statements, no matter how impressive. If speech is not accompanied by intelligence exchange, joint border control, and swift operational actions, extremists will take advantage of the gap.
Domestic initiatives should also support diplomatic efforts. The Azm-e-Istehkam campaign aimed to merge social and military actions to tackle the underlying causes of extremism in border areas. However, without continuous investments in governance and development, even the strongest counter-terrorism efforts may fail.
These pages have long documented the bloodshed and terror that have become part of everyday life due to terrorism. Promises made in Kabul are important, but their value will be determined not through press statements but through real-life experiences. Regular Pakistanis will assess progress not by high-level declarations but by the day they can send their children to school, go to work, and practice their faith safely without fear following each step. *