Editorial: Kohat attack a reminder of a growing threat that calls for better-equipped police, counterterrorism policy review

A deadly attack in the city of Kohat, Pakistan, serves as a grim reminder of the rising threat the nation now faces. In the attack, a vehicle packed with explosives targeted a mosque in the old Police Lines area, followed by an attempted storming of the compound to assault police facilities. The assault resulted in at least 23 deaths, including 17 police officers and officials, with over 100 people wounded.

However, the police and security forces swiftly responded to the attack, launching a valiant counterassault that eliminated all but two of the attackers within hours. The remaining two were neutralized during a cleanup operation, which took place overnight with assistance from top police and counterterrorism officials. The operation demonstrated acts of bravery, particularly by the additional inspector-general of the Counterterrorism Directorate (CTD), who was injured by a grenade but returned to complete the cleanup.

The attack underscores the need for better-equipped and trained police forces to combat an enemy increasingly utilizing modern technology. The group responsible for the attack, Ittehadul Mujahideen (I-M), is believed to operate from safe havens across the border, coordinating attacks with other terrorist factions. I-M has reportedly employed drone technology in past attacks, making it a more sophisticated and dangerous threat than the Taliban.

Authorities must address the threat by providing the CTD with the necessary equipment, strategies, and technologies to effectively counter the constant and deadly threat faced by security forces.

In addition to equipment and training, Pakistan's counterterrorism policy needs to be reviewed, with particular attention to its diplomatic, political, and social aspects. These elements must be addressed collectively to yield stable results. Unfortunately, Pakistan's focus on social, political, and economic issues has pushed the terrorism crisis to the margins of national discourse.

The nation must confront these terrorist networks with the full force of the state and the law. However, this can only be achieved effectively if Pakistan's own affairs are in order.