The Escalation of Terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa after Taliban’s Return to Power in Afghanistan in 2021-2025

Abstract

The return of the Taliban to power in Afghanistan in August 2021, following the withdrawal of U.S. and NATO forces, has significantly altered the security landscape of Pakistan, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK). This research investigates the escalation of terrorism in KPK between 2021 and 2025, focusing on the resurgence of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the role of the Afghan Taliban in enabling militant activities. Drawing upon a mixed-method approach combining surveys conducted with residents of KPK and interviews with regional experts the study highlights a sharp rise in terrorist incidents, cross-border attacks, and militant reorganizations. Findings reveal that the Afghan Taliban’s ideological, logistical, and financial support, including reported monthly funding to the TTP, has strengthened militancy and undermined Pakistan’s internal security. The research also underscores the limited effectiveness of Pakistan’s counterterrorism strategies, which remain hindered by weak border management, lack of political consensus, socio-economic disparities, and strained civil-military coordination. Moreover, the failures of peace negotiations with the TTP and inadequate regional cooperation have further exacerbated insecurity in KPK. This study concludes that the Taliban’s return to power has directly intensified terrorism in Pakistan’s northwestern frontier and strained Pakistan–Afghanistan relations. It recommends a multidimensional strategy that combines robust border management, political consensus, socio-economic reforms, and constructive diplomatic engagement with Afghanistan to effectively counter terrorism and restore regional stability.