Wed Mar 19 18:30:09 UTC 2025: ## Pakistan’s “War on Terror” Risks Mirroring US Failures: Experts Warn
**ISLAMABAD** – Pakistan’s escalating conflict with insurgent groups, particularly the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), risks repeating the costly mistakes of the US “War on Terror,” analysts warn. Following a recent BLA train hijacking and subsequent Pakistani military operation resulting in civilian casualties, officials quickly blamed Afghanistan and India, echoing the US strategy of scapegoating and deflecting responsibility.
The incident, coupled with Pakistan’s recent cross-border airstrikes in Afghanistan targeting TTP fighters, highlights a concerning pattern of Pakistan framing its regional relationships through the lens of a “war on terror,” a tactic criticized for its futility and human cost. Similar to the US approach, Pakistan’s strategy fails to address the underlying political grievances fueling these insurgencies, instead resorting to military action and accusations.
Experts point to the US experience in Afghanistan and Iraq, where the broad definition of “terrorism,” indiscriminate violence, and disregard for sovereignty only exacerbated conflict and fueled radicalization. The US’s failure to negotiate and address the root causes of the insurgency, leading to a protracted and ultimately unsuccessful occupation, serves as a cautionary tale.
Pakistan’s refusal to acknowledge the political motivations behind groups like the BLA and TTP, coupled with its violation of Afghan sovereignty, is seen as a dangerous path. Instead of blaming neighbors and employing military force, analysts urge the Pakistani government to engage in dialogue and address the grievances of these groups, recognizing the suffering of civilian populations affected by the conflict. Only through addressing the root causes of the insurgencies can Pakistan hope to achieve lasting peace and stability, rather than repeating the failures of the past.
First Piper 