An Overview of Pakistan’s Security Situation after Operation Zarb-e-Azb

Abstract

In the backdrop of a deteriorating security situation, increasing terrorist attacks across the country, kidnappings and target killings, Operation Zarb-e-Azb (June 2014) was launched against terrorist outfits operating from North Waziristan by the Pakistan Armed Forces. A comparison of pre- and post-Zarb-e-Azb security situation shows that Pakistan‟s security has considerably improved. Underscoring the success of Operation, the review identifies future challenges such as reforming the political status of Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), ensuring economic security of its people, initiating more deradicalisation programmes and effective Pak-Afghan border management, which need to be addressed on priority basis. The paper concludes that initiating reforms in FATA and introducing effective border management can change the region from being a security risk to an economic strength for the country and its neighbouring regions as well.