ORGANIZED TERRORISM AND STATE FRAGILITY IN PAKISTAN: IMPACTS ON NATIONAL SECURITY AND SOVEREIGNTY 2022 – 2025

Abstract

Pakistan has faced a resurgence of organized terrorism from 2022 to 2025, posing severe threats to national security, political stability, and sovereignty. The rise of militant groups such as Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Islamic State Khorasan (IS-K), and Baloch separatist factions (BLA) has led to increased violence, destabilizing both urban and border regions. Weak governance, political instability, and external influences have further exacerbated state fragility, limiting the effectiveness of counterterrorism efforts. The fragile security environment has also hindered economic growth, foreign investment, and social stability, deepening the crisis. Pakistan’s counterterrorism policies, including military operations and intelligence-based actions, have achieved partial success but remain hindered by cross-border challenges, ideological radicalization, and governance failures. Diplomatic pressures, particularly from global powers and neighboring countries, continue to constrain Pakistan’s strategic autonomy in handling internal security threats. This study critically analyzes the nexus between organized terrorism and state fragility, emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive policy reforms, enhanced intelligence capabilities, and regional cooperation to safeguard national security and sovereignty. The findings underscore the importance of a multi-faceted approach to counterterrorism, addressing both immediate threats and long-term structural weaknesses within the state apparatus.