Washington, March 28 (NationPress) A recent report from the Congressional Research Service indicates that terrorist organizations persistently operate from Pakistan, despite numerous military efforts and policy initiatives aimed at curbing their influence. The report asserts that these initiatives “have not succeeded in dismantling the many US- and United Nations-designated terrorist factions that remain active within Pakistani borders.”

The independent research body highlights Pakistan as a hub for “numerous armed, nonstate militant entities,” some of which have been operating since the 1980s.

These factions are categorized into five primary groups: those with global aspirations, those targeting Afghanistan, those focused on India and Kashmir, groups with domestic objectives, and sectarian organizations.

The CRS, serving as an independent research arm of the US Congress, regularly publishes reports that assist congressional members in making well-informed decisions. It’s important to note that these reports do not represent official congressional viewpoints.

According to the report, 12 out of the 15 identified groups are recognized as Foreign Terrorist Organizations under US law and “the majority, though not all, are driven by Islamist extremist ideology.”

Pakistan has witnessed a significant surge in terrorism in recent years. After a period of five years where fatalities decreased to 365 in 2019, the annual number of deaths related to terrorism has escalated, “reaching 4,001 in 2025, marking the highest toll in over a decade.”

The report emphasizes that “Pakistan currently holds the status of the nation most affected by terrorism,” indicating a revival of militant activities following the Taliban's resurgence in Afghanistan in 2021.

Among globally focused groups, Al Qaeda remains active in the region, although its “core has been severely weakened” and it has forged connections with various other militant organizations.

The Islamic State's affiliate in the region, Islamic State-Khorasan Province, is estimated to have “4,000-6,000 fighters” and operates across Afghanistan and Pakistan, recruiting former members from other militant factions.

Groups oriented towards Afghanistan, like the Haqqani Network, continue to conduct cross-border operations. This network comprises “several hundred core members along with approximately 3,000-5,000 armed militants” and has been linked to numerous assaults in Afghanistan.

The CRS further reports that several groups focused on India remain active. Lashkar-e-Taiba, responsible for the 2008 Mumbai attacks, and Jaish-e-Mohammed, associated with the 2001 attack on the Indian Parliament, continue to operate from Pakistani territory and aim to change the situation in Kashmir.

Domestically, Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan is identified as “the deadliest terrorist organization in Pakistan,” with an estimated 2,500-5,000 fighters and a declared goal to overthrow the Pakistani government and implement Sharia law.

Additionally, separatist violence has escalated in Balochistan. The Balochistan Liberation Army, classified as a terrorist group in 2025, has targeted infrastructure and foreign nationals, including projects linked to China.