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.
