Militancy in Pakistan: Evaluating its Consequences for National Security and International Relations

Abstract

The main purpose of this research is to explore the non-state actors in Pakistan, especially militant groups, that are threatening the national security and stability of Pakistan. Pakistan has been facing this problem since the 1980s during the Soviet-Afghan War. Pakistan has suffered a huge loss of human lives and also economically due to militancy. Despite various military operations and counter-terrorism strategies, militant groups continue to pose a threat to national security. This study is important because it seeks to understand the dynamics of militancy in Pakistan and identify effective strategies to counter this threat. Through a qualitative case study employing narrative analysis, this research is based on primary and secondary data sources, including expert interviews, existing literature, and media reports. The study finds that militant groups, such as the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), pose a significant threat to Pakistan’s internal and external security, having developed complex networks that exploit local grievances and ideologies. Sympathy to recruit and radicalize fighters. The study suggests that a multi-dimensional approach will be required to deal with this threat, which will include military operations, intelligence-based operations, socio-economic development projects, and dialogue with the local population; regional cooperation and international assistance was also highlighted as vital to combat the menace of militancy in Pakistan.