Balakot airstrike anniversary – Six years after Balakot, Pakistan faces worst security crisis in a decade

As India marks six years since the Balakot airstrike, Pakistan is struggling with its worst security crisis in over a decade. The country saw a record 444 terror attacks last year, leading to the deaths of 685 security personnel. New revelations have exposed the Pakistan Army’s attempts to hide the extent of its losses, further highlighting the fragile state of its security forces.

Despite facing a sharp rise in terrorism, Pakistan’s military establishment has consistently underreported casualties. Reports suggest that in 2024 alone, Pakistan suffered 2,546 deaths and 2,267 injuries due to violence, making it the deadliest year for security forces in ten years.

The number of terror attacks far exceeded Pakistan’s counterterror operations, reflecting the country’s inability to tackle insurgents effectively.

The Balakot airstrike in 2019 was a turning point in India’s counterterrorism approach. In response to the Pulwama attack that killed 40 CRPF personnel, the Indian Air Force carried out precision strikes on a Jaish-e-Mohammad camp in Pakistan.

The operation sent a strong message that terrorism would not go unanswered. In contrast, Pakistan has struggled to control the growing insurgency within its borders. Groups such as the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Baloch insurgents have intensified attacks on Pakistani security forces, yet the country’s military remains focused on its long-standing rivalry with India rather than tackling domestic terrorism.

Instead of taking decisive action, the Pakistani establishment has been accused of suppressing political dissent while failing to support its own soldiers. The military’s cover-up of casualty figures has further fuelled concerns about low troop morale and inadequate resources. With a deteriorating economy and declining military funding, Pakistan’s security forces are increasingly vulnerable.

Six years after Balakot, India’s counterterrorism strategy remains firm, with a focus on strengthening intelligence operations and border security. Meanwhile, Pakistan continues to grapple with a growing internal security crisis. The failure to control terrorist factions within its own borders raises serious concerns about its stability, as insurgent attacks on military convoys and bases continue to rise.