In 2024, Pakistan is engaged in armed clashes and conflicts with several entities, primarily including cross-border skirmishes with Afghanistan, and ongoing counter-insurgency operations against militant groups such as the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and the Pakistani Taliban (Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan - TTP).
Ongoing Conflicts Involving Pakistan in 2024
Pakistan faces a complex security landscape marked by both interstate skirmishes and internal insurgencies. These conflicts range from border disputes to concerted efforts against militant organizations that challenge the state's authority and territorial integrity.
Cross-Border Skirmishes with Afghanistan
Throughout 2024, Pakistan has been involved in a series of armed clashes with Afghanistan. These incidents, referred to as the 2024 Afghanistan–Pakistan skirmishes, have included:
- Cross-border airstrikes: Initiated by Pakistan, often targeting militant hideouts it claims are located within Afghan territory.
- Exchanges of gunfire: Responses from the Afghan side following Pakistani actions or independent provocations.
These skirmishes highlight persistent tensions and security concerns along the shared border, primarily fueled by Pakistan's accusations of Afghanistan harboring militants who launch attacks on Pakistani soil.
Internal Insurgencies and Militant Groups
Beyond the border, Pakistan is actively combating several domestic and transnational militant groups that pose significant threats to its internal security and stability.
Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA)
The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) is a prominent separatist militant organization operating primarily in the Balochistan province of Pakistan. The BLA frequently targets:
- Pakistani security forces
- Government infrastructure
- Chinese interests within the province (due to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor - CPEC)
The group advocates for an independent Balochistan, claiming that the province's resources are exploited without fair returns to the local population.
Pakistani Taliban (Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan - TTP)
The Pakistani Taliban, officially known as Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), is an umbrella organization of various Islamist armed militant groups based along the Afghanistan–Pakistan border. The TTP has been responsible for numerous terrorist attacks across Pakistan, aiming to:
- Overthrow the Pakistani government
- Establish an Islamic caliphate based on their interpretation of Sharia law
Pakistan views the TTP as a major security threat and often accuses the Afghan Taliban government of providing safe haven to its members, leading to the aforementioned cross-border tensions.
Summary of Adversaries
The following table provides a concise overview of the key entities Pakistan is in conflict with during 2024:
| Adversary | Type of Conflict | Primary Location/Nature |
|---|---|---|
| Afghanistan | Cross-border armed clashes, airstrikes | Afghanistan-Pakistan border; state-to-state tensions |
| Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) | Internal insurgency, separatist attacks | Balochistan Province, Pakistan; nationalist movement |
| Pakistani Taliban (TTP) | Internal insurgency, terrorism | Border regions with Afghanistan, across Pakistan; Islamist militant group |
