Recent statistics reveal a dramatic increase in terrorist activities along the Iran-Pakistan border, with Iran enduring significant casualties from terrorism. An expert interview highlights the complexities of regional terrorist threats, financing methods, and the obstacles to effective Iran-Pakistan collaboration. Murtaza calls for enhanced cooperation through confidence-building measures to effectively combat terrorism and bolster bilateral relations.
The latest edition of the Encyclopedia of Terror Victims in Iran reveals that the country has experienced over 23,000 casualties from terrorism and counter-terrorism since the Islamic Revolution. This grim statistic positions Iran among the nations most affected by terrorism, joining Pakistan, which faces similar challenges. A critical area of concern for Iran has been the surge in terrorist activities in the southeastern Sistan and Baluchestan province, where incidents increased by 115% and casualties by 200% within the past year.
In an interview with Muhammad Murtaza, a regional security expert from the Pakistan Institute for Peace Studies, insights were shared on the status of terrorism within both Iran and Pakistan. The conversation highlighted the increasing threat levels faced by both countries due to their shared border and mutual security concerns. The expert noted that the analysis aimed to uncover feasible collaborative strategies to combat the pervasive presence of terrorism in the region.
Murtaza detailed the situation in Pakistan, pointing out that the nation endured significant losses due to its role in the Global War on Terrorism. The security landscape has worsened since the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan. Key terrorist groups in Pakistan, including Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), have become more active, with increasing casualties and a notable rise in suicide attacks.
Notably, terrorist financing in the region remains complex, with groups relying on various income sources such as charities, hawala systems, and extortion. While it’s clear that some entities provide external support, pinpointing specific donors is challenging due to the intricate funding networks. Despite ongoing counter-terrorism operations, the frequency and intensity of attacks have risen since mid-2021.
When discussing obstacles to Iran-Pakistan cooperation in counterterrorism, Murtaza emphasized the need for greater clarity and intelligence sharing on mutual threats. Although both nations signed a security accord in 2014 for counterterrorism, the effectiveness of such agreements is contingent upon their practical implementation. There have been instances of both nations conducting kinetic operations against perceived threats across their borders, leading to public dissatisfaction in Pakistan.
The role of external actors such as the United States and regional influences on bilateral relations is significant, according to Murtaza. Pakistan’s diplomacy is shaped by its relationships with both Riyadh and Washington, while Iran’s alliances lean towards Delhi. The complexity of these relationships affects their cooperation against terrorism, necessitating a regional approach to mitigate tensions.
Following the recent meeting between Iranian military officials and their Pakistani counterparts, Murtaza expressed hope that enhanced cooperation could yield positive security outcomes. However, he stressed that confidence-building measures between the two nations are essential to easing distrust and fostering stability. Both countries must engage in cooperative ventures across various fields to effectively combat terrorism and promote bilateral relations.
In conclusion, the escalating threat of terrorism along the Iran-Pakistan border necessitates a united effort between the two nations. Given their shared challenges, coordinated strategies such as intelligence sharing and joint security measures could prove essential in combatting the increasing incidence of terrorism. Furthermore, addressing the regional dynamics influenced by external actors remains pivotal to establishing lasting peace and cooperation in the area.
Original Source: www.tehrantimes.com
