Pakistan’s security apparatus has once again demonstrated resilience and vigilance in the face of rising terrorist threats. On Friday, counterterrorism units in Punjab reported foiling a major attack in Mianwali’s Esakhel, eliminating two militants in a fierce gunfight. Meanwhile, in North Waziristan’s Bannu district, a joint army-police operation led to the capture of 14 terror facilitators and the destruction of multiple hideouts. These intelligence-driven, preemptive strikes underscore the skill and dedication of Pakistan’s defenders, who continue working tirelessly to neutralise threats before they can strike. Yet the threat itself is evolving. Over the past year, Pakistan has witnessed an uptick in terrorist activity. The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), long sheltered in Afghan sanctuaries, appears to be shifting tactics, embedding sleeper cells within civilian populations. Just months ago, the Counter Terrorism Department dismantled a TTP network in Islamabad, poised to strike during a high-profile international summit. Military leadership has repeatedly raised alarms over the TTP’s unchecked movement across the Afghan border, where the Taliban regime has allowed old militant networks to re-emerge. Despite Islamabad’s repeated calls for action, Kabul has failed to deliver; leaving Pakistan to confront a hybrid threat–externally enabled, internally embedded. At home, however, some of our defensive measures have created hardship for ordinary citizens. In Balochistan, province-wide mobile data suspensions have become a recurring tactic. These blackouts, though aimed at disrupting militant communications, have left students preparing for exams, remote workers, and families reliant on digital access in a state of ongoing frustration. The irony is clear: the very people these measures are meant to protect often bear the heaviest cost. Long-term security cannot rest on the erosion of public trust. The answer lies not in abandoning precautionary steps, but in pairing them with strategic, innovative solutions. We must explore alternatives, such as offline academic hubs, precision technologies that target militant networks without blanket shutdowns, and improved communication during digital outages. Meanwhile, Balochistan’s unrest continues to carry an unmistakable external signature. The 2016 capture and confession of Indian naval officer Kulbhushan Jadhav, who admitted to orchestrating sabotage and fomenting insurgency, remains a chilling reminder. India’s “thousand cuts” doctrine is an open, articulated policy aimed at destabilising Pakistan from within. There is no doubt our institutions remain capable, committed, and resilient in the fight against terrorism. But we must also face the continued cost of this war with clear eyes. By supporting security efforts, reporting suspicious activity, and fostering unity, every citizen strengthens the nation’s defense. These are difficult days but Pakistan has overcome greater trials before. With resolve, resilience, and innovation, we will prevail.