New Delhi, June 8: According to the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), militant violence in Pakistan surged by 27% in May. The country is trapped in a vicious cycle of armed attacks, with no signs of abating. The increasing frequency and impact of these attacks raise serious questions about the capabilities of the Pakistani military to maintain security.
The security situation has worsened under the leadership of Field Marshal Asim Munir, whose security apparatus has openly dominated the country’s domestic and foreign policy. The role of civilian leadership has been limited to merely approving or promoting decisions made by the military.
Previously, there was at least an attempt to deny this reality, even though the world was well aware of who truly controlled decisions regarding security, foreign policy, and even the economy. Since Shehbaz Sharif became Prime Minister, the government has focused more on validating the military’s role rather than highlighting its involvement in governance.
Defense Minister Khawaja Asif publicly acknowledged that Pakistan operates under a “hybrid model of governance.” Emphasizing the reliance of civilian leadership on the establishment, Asif stated that a “hybrid regime” is essential for the country to recover from its economic and governance crises.
Asif’s statements and his role in supporting the military must be taken seriously, particularly regarding his understanding of the country’s security issues and potential solutions. By continuously praising the military, Asif attempts to divert attention from its failures, linking armed attacks to Afghanistan and accusing the Taliban government of facilitating the activities of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) as proxies against Pakistan.
The narrative Asif presents is a tactic to defend the military’s failures in combating armed Baloch nationalists in Balochistan and religious extremists in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He has previously stated that Pakistan is in an open war with its neighboring country.
Asif often behaves more like a spokesperson for the military than a defense minister. By underestimating the credibility of the civilian government and praising the military, he claimed in an interview last year that the hybrid model is “not an ideal democratic government,” yet it is working wonders.
However, no evidence has been provided to demonstrate what miracles this hybrid model has achieved. Pakistan continues to seek bailouts and financial assistance. Despite establishing the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) with the military at the center, interest in foreign investment in Pakistan is declining rather than increasing.
Regarding security, the military’s primary role has deteriorated. This is evident from the increasing attacks by various armed groups. Over the past two decades, the Pakistani military has conducted successive operations against different armed factions, none of which have achieved their objectives.
On one hand, the military is conducting operations, especially in KP; on the other hand, armed attacks are on the rise. In fact, these operations have led to human rights violations and displaced millions.
Moreover, these operations have instilled fear and anger among the populace. For instance, reports in January indicated that the Pakistani military was planning another operation against armed militants in the Tirah Valley of KP.
This proposed operation faced strong opposition from local politics, tribal leaders, and the community, causing panic among residents who felt compelled to evacuate to safer areas. Over 70,000 people, mostly women and children, have fled their homes. Previously, in August 2025, thousands had also been displaced due to a military campaign in the North-West Bajaur District.
Although Defense Minister Asif denied any planned military operation, the deep-seated mistrust between local communities and the ruling elite led residents to disregard government assurances, opting to evacuate to avoid collateral damage from potential military actions.
This mistrust stems from the devastation and human rights violations witnessed in past military operations. Over the past two decades, 14 operations have been conducted solely in KP to combat armed militants. Additionally, two military operations (Operation Zarb-e-Azb in 2014 and Operation Ajz-e-Istehkam in 2024) were carried out across Pakistan.
The call for yet another military operation undermines the military’s hollow claims of past successes. Ultimately, the Pakistani military has decided to take action against Afghanistan to alleviate the pressure mounting against it following the rise in terrorist attacks. Attacking a country governed by a regime that has yet to consolidate its control serves no military or strategic purpose; rather, it appears to be a diversion from internal criticism.
The Afghan Taliban is attempting to avoid military tension while continuing dialogue with Islamabad. In a statement, the spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate (Taliban government), Hamdullah Fitrat, noted that the TTP issue is an internal matter for Pakistan.
He stated that the Emirate is ready to take steps to ensure that Afghan territory is not used against any country, asserting that some of Pakistan’s demands are unrealistic and cannot be implemented by Afghanistan.
On the other hand, Pakistan appears poised to attack, especially since its security system is failing to ensure internal security. It seems indifferent to Kabul’s appeals. Recently, in a statement made in Quetta, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif warned that…
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