Former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, standing alongside then Pakistani Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar in 2011, in one of her most famous diplomatic rebukes in recent history, said: “It's like that old story—you can't keep snakes in your backyard and expect them only to bite your neighbours. Eventually, those snakes are going to turn on whoever has them in the backyard.”&nbsp;Clinton used the analogy to warn Pakistan about its policy of supporting or tolerating militant groups. Her warning appears to have come true in 2026, as the Global Terrorism Index (GTI) 2026 has placed Pakistan at the top, making it the world's most terror-affected country in 2025, with 1,139 deaths, 1,045 attacks, 1,595 people injured, and 655 hostages.&nbsp;Pakistan has recorded the highest score on the index at 8.574, marking its deadliest year since 2013. The country has now witnessed six consecutive years of rising terrorism-related deaths. Notably, it stands out as the only nation in South Asia where the security situation deteriorated in 2025, while all other countries in the region recorded improvement.&nbsp;The bulk of the violence was concentrated in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, two provinces long marked by political discontent with Islamabad. Together, they accounted for 74 per cent of total attacks and 67 per cent of terrorism-related deaths.&nbsp;Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) remained the most active militant group during the year. It carried out 595 attacks in 2025, resulting in 637 deaths, amounting to 56 per cent of all terror-related fatalities in the country.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-shipping-lanes-must-remain-open-pm-modi-speaks-to-iran-president-condemns-attacks-on-critical-infrastructure-1774094866006">‘Shipping lanes must remain open’: PM Modi speaks to Iran president, condemns attacks on critical infrastructure</a>&nbsp;The nature of violence also intensified. Targeted killings surged by 450 per cent, and police casualties increased significantly. The TTP has expanded its operational capabilities, including the use of drones. An estimated 6,000 to 6,500 TTP fighters are believed to be operating from bases in Afghanistan, using the territory to launch cross-border attacks. Around 85 per cent of these strikes occurred within 10 to 50 kilometres of the Afghan border.&nbsp;In one of the most significant incidents of the year, the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) hijacked a passenger train in March 2025, taking 442 people hostage, making it the largest single terrorist attack recorded globally in the Global Terrorism Index (GTI) 2025 report. The group’s strategy has shifted from a separatist insurgency to what the report describes as anti-state terrorism, with a growing focus on targeting Chinese nationals and infrastructure linked to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), in addition to Pakistani security forces.&nbsp;Despite facing terrorism as the biggest challenge to national security, Pakistan continues to harbour radical elements against its neighbours, especially India. Recent terror incidents in India, including in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, can be traced back to Pakistan.&nbsp;Islamabad has also followed a pattern of externalising its problems by accusing India and Afghanistan of supporting terrorist activities inside Pakistan, a claim both countries have consistently rejected.&nbsp;Pakistan declared an “open war” against Afghanistan in February over terror-related accusations after blaming Kabul for assisting terrorists behind the Islamabad mosque bombing on February 6 and high-casualty attacks on military checkpoints in Bajaur and Bannu in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province of northwestern Pakistan in mid-February.

The Global Terrorism Index (GTI) 2026 has placed Pakistan at the top, making it the world's most terror-affected country in 2025, with 1,139 deaths, 1,045 attacks, 1,595 people injured, and 655 hostages.

Former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, standing alongside then Pakistani Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar in 2011, in one of her most famous diplomatic rebukes in recent history, said: “It's like that old story—you can't keep snakes in your backyard and expect them only to bite your neighbours. Eventually, those snakes are going to turn on whoever has them in the backyard.” Clinton used the analogy to warn Pakistan about its policy of supporting or tolerating militant groups. Her warning appears to have come true in 2026, as the Global Terrorism Index (GTI) 2026 has placed Pakistan at the top, making it the world's most terror-affected country in 2025, with 1,139 deaths, 1,045 attacks, 1,595 people injured, and 655 hostages. Pakistan has recorded the highest score on the index at 8.574, marking its deadliest year since 2013. The country has now witnessed six consecutive years of rising terrorism-related deaths. Notably, it stands out as the only nation in South Asia where the security situation deteriorated in 2025, while all other countries in the region recorded improvement. The bulk of the violence was concentrated in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, two provinces long marked by political discontent with Islamabad. Together, they accounted for 74 per cent of total attacks and 67 per cent of terrorism-related deaths. Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) remained the most active militant group during the year. It carried out 595 attacks in 2025, resulting in 637 deaths, amounting to 56 per cent of all terror-related fatalities in the country. Also Read: ‘Shipping lanes must remain open’: PM Modi speaks to Iran president, condemns attacks on critical infrastructure The nature of violence also intensified. Targeted killings surged by 450 per cent, and police casualties increased significantly. The TTP has expanded its operational capabilities, including the use of drones. An estimated 6,000 to 6,500 TTP fighters are believed to be operating from bases in Afghanistan, using the territory to launch cross-border attacks. Around 85 per cent of these strikes occurred within 10 to 50 kilometres of the Afghan border. In one of the most significant incidents of the year, the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) hijacked a passenger train in March 2025, taking 442 people hostage, making it the largest single terrorist attack recorded globally in the Global Terrorism Index (GTI) 2025 report. The group’s strategy has shifted from a separatist insurgency to what the report describes as anti-state terrorism, with a growing focus on targeting Chinese nationals and infrastructure linked to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), in addition to Pakistani security forces. Despite facing terrorism as the biggest challenge to national security, Pakistan continues to harbour radical elements against its neighbours, especially India. Recent terror incidents in India, including in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, can be traced back to Pakistan. Islamabad has also followed a pattern of externalising its problems by accusing India and Afghanistan of supporting terrorist activities inside Pakistan, a claim both countries have consistently rejected. Pakistan declared an “open war” against Afghanistan in February over terror-related accusations after blaming Kabul for assisting terrorists behind the Islamabad mosque bombing on February 6 and high-casualty attacks on military checkpoints in Bajaur and Bannu in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province of northwestern Pakistan in mid-February.

The Global Terrorism Index (GTI) 2026 has placed Pakistan at the top, making it the world's most terror-affected country in 2025, with 1,139 deaths, 1,045 attacks, 1,595 people injured, and 655 hostages.

‘If you keep snakes in your backyard…’: Pakistan tops GTI as most terror-affected nation

India delivered a 2.5-ton consignment of emergency medicines, medical disposables, kits and equipment to Afghanistan on March 20 to support the treatment of victims of a Pakistani airstrike on a drug addiction treatment clinic in Kabul, which resulted in the deaths of over 400 people and injured more than 250.&nbsp;"To support the medical treatment and swift recovery of those injured in the heinous attack on March 16, India has delivered a 2.5-ton consignment of emergency medicines, medical disposables, kits and equipment to Kabul," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a statement on X.&nbsp;Jaiswal added that India stands in solidarity with the Afghan people and will continue to extend all possible humanitarian support in this difficult hour.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">To support the medical treatment and swift recovery of those injured in the heinous attack on 16 March, India delivers a 2.5-ton consignment of emergency medicines, medical disposables, kits and equipment to Kabul. India stands in solidarity with the Afghan people and will… <a href="https://t.co/9dDu589tiY">pic.twitter.com/9dDu589tiY</a>&mdash; Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/2034974274373492978?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

New Delhi’s support comes after Afghanistan on Tuesday confirmed that more than 408 individuals undergoing treatment for narcotics addiction were killed and over 265 were injured in a Pakistani strike on a drug rehabilitation clinic in Kabul on the night of March 16. The Pakistani military targeted what Kabul described as "one of the most vulnerable and deserving-of-compassion segments of society."&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mass-funeral-in-afghanistan-for-victims-of-pakistan-rehab-center-strike-taliban-vows-revenge-1773838014662">Mass funeral in Afghanistan for victims of Pakistan rehab centre strike; Taliban vows revenge</a>&nbsp;On Tuesday, India officially condemned the Pakistani strike on the Omid Drug Addiction Treatment Hospital, describing it as a "barbaric" and "unconscionable" act.&nbsp;"India unequivocally condemns Pakistan's barbaric airstrike on the Omid Addiction Treatment Hospital in Kabul on the night of March 16. This is a cowardly and unconscionable act of violence that has claimed the lives of a large number of civilians in a facility which can by no means be justified as a military target. Pakistan is now trying to dress up a massacre as a military operation," the MEA said in a statement.<h2>Pakistan and Afghanistan announce temporary ceasefire</h2>Pakistan and Afghanistan declared a temporary cessation of hostilities on Wednesday at the request of international mediators, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Türkiye, and it is timed to coincide with the Eid al-Fitr holiday marking the end of Ramadan.&nbsp;However, Pakistani Information Minister Attaullah Tarar warned that while the gesture was made in "good faith," operations would "immediately resume with renewed intensity" if any cross-border or terrorist attacks occur inside Pakistan during this period.&nbsp;Pakistan has repeatedly accused its north-western neighbour of supporting Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and providing sanctuary to terrorists targeting Islamabad, claims that Afghanistan has denied multiple times.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Afghan Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani stated during a mass funeral in Kabul that while they prefer diplomacy, they "will take revenge" for the hospital strike.

New Delhi’s support comes after Afghanistan on Tuesday confirmed that more than 408 individuals undergoing treatment for narcotics addiction were killed and over 265 were injured in a Pakistani strike on a drug rehabilitation clinic in Kabul.

India delivered a 2.5-ton consignment of emergency medicines, medical disposables, kits and equipment to Afghanistan on March 20 to support the treatment of victims of a Pakistani airstrike on a drug addiction treatment clinic in Kabul, which resulted in the deaths of over 400 people and injured more than 250. "To support the medical treatment and swift recovery of those injured in the heinous attack on March 16, India has delivered a 2.5-ton consignment of emergency medicines, medical disposables, kits and equipment to Kabul," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a statement on X. Jaiswal added that India stands in solidarity with the Afghan people and will continue to extend all possible humanitarian support in this difficult hour.

New Delhi’s support comes after Afghanistan on Tuesday confirmed that more than 408 individuals undergoing treatment for narcotics addiction were killed and over 265 were injured in a Pakistani strike on a drug rehabilitation clinic in Kabul.

India sends humanitarian aid to Afghanistan after Pakistani strikes kill over 400 in Kabul rehab hospital

Days after the escalating tensions sparked by a controversial airstrike in Kabul, Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to a “temporary pause” in hostilities to mark Eid al-Fitr. The ceasefire, announced on Wednesday (March 18), is scheduled from Thursday to Monday. It came after one of the deadliest episodes in the recent standoff. Pakistani aircraft reportedly struck a drug rehabilitation facility in the Afghan capital late Monday (March 16), with Taliban officials claiming nearly 400 fatalities and over 200 injuries. Islamabad has denied intentionally targeting civilians, but the high casualty count and the nature of the site have drawn sharp criticism and intensified global scrutiny.<h2>‘Gesture in good faith’ or strategic pause?</h2>Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said the pause was requested by “brotherly Islamic countries” including Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey. “Pakistan offers this gesture in good faith and in keeping with the Islamic norms,” he wrote on X.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-nobody-thought-they-were-going-to-hit-trump-on-iran-s-strikes-on-gulf-nations-but-experts-clearly-warned-him-beforehand-1773757268350">‘Nobody thought they were going to hit’: Trump on Iran’s strikes on Gulf nations. But experts clearly warned him beforehand</a>&nbsp;But, he also issued a firm warning, stating that any cross-border aggression, drone strike, or terror-related incident inside Pakistan would lead to an immediate and stronger military response. The conditional tone of the ceasefire has prompted debate over whether it signals genuine de-escalation or a calculated move to ease mounting international pressure after the Kabul strike.<h2>Kabul vows revenge, signals unease</h2>Afghanistan also announced a temporary suspension of fighting during Eid, saying it would halt what it described as defensive actions against aggression, following appeals from the same Gulf nations. Despite this, anger remains evident within the Taliban leadership.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-will-make-trump-sorry-who-is-ali-larijani-iran-s-security-chief-whom-israel-claims-to-have-killed-1773749337229">‘Will make Trump sorry’: Who is Ali Larijani, Iran's Security Chief whom Israel claims to have killed?</a>&nbsp;Speaking at a mass funeral, Afghan Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani denounced the strike, describing those killed as innocent civilians and branding the attackers as criminals. He warned that retaliation would follow, asserting that Afghanistan is neither weak nor powerless and that those responsible would face consequences.While he indicated a willingness to pursue diplomatic solutions, Haqqani stressed that the incident represents a serious escalation. He reiterated that Afghanistan does not seek conflict but acknowledged that circumstances have brought the situation to a critical point.

Pakistan and Afghanistan agreed to a five-day Eid ceasefire following a deadly Pakistani airstrike in Kabul. Despite the pause, both nations maintain a high military alert amid vows of retaliation.


Days after the escalating tensions sparked by a controversial airstrike in Kabul, Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to a “temporary pause” in hostilities to mark Eid al-Fitr. The ceasefire, announced on Wednesday (March 18), is scheduled from Thursday to Monday. It came after one of the deadliest episodes in the recent standoff. Pakistani aircraft reportedly struck a drug rehabilitation facility in the Afghan capital late Monday (March 16), with Taliban officials claiming nearly 400 fatalities and over 200 injuries. Islamabad has denied intentionally targeting civilians, but the high casualty count and the nature of the site have drawn sharp criticism and intensified global scrutiny. ‘Gesture in good faith’ or strategic pause? Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said the pause was requested by “brotherly Islamic countries” including Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey. “Pakistan offers this gesture in good faith and in keeping with the Islamic norms,” he wrote on X. Also read: ‘Nobody thought they were going to hit’: Trump on Iran’s strikes on Gulf nations. But experts clearly warned him beforehand But, he also issued a firm warning, stating that any cross-border aggression, drone strike, or terror-related incident inside Pakistan would lead to an immediate and stronger military response. The conditional tone of the ceasefire has prompted debate over whether it signals genuine de-escalation or a calculated move to ease mounting international pressure after the Kabul strike. Kabul vows revenge, signals unease Afghanistan also announced a temporary suspension of fighting during Eid, saying it would halt what it described as defensive actions against aggression, following appeals from the same Gulf nations. Despite this, anger remains evident within the Taliban leadership. Also read: ‘Will make Trump sorry’: Who is Ali Larijani, Iran's Security Chief whom Israel claims to have killed? Speaking at a mass funeral, Afghan Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani denounced the strike, describing those killed as innocent civilians and branding the attackers as criminals. He warned that retaliation would follow, asserting that Afghanistan is neither weak nor powerless and that those responsible would face consequences. While he indicated a willingness to pursue diplomatic solutions, Haqqani stressed that the incident represents a serious escalation. He reiterated that Afghanistan does not seek conflict but acknowledged that circumstances have brought the situation to a critical point.

Pakistan and Afghanistan agreed to a five-day Eid ceasefire following a deadly Pakistani airstrike in Kabul. Despite the pause, both nations maintain a high military alert amid vows of retaliation. &nbsp;

Pakistan-Afghanistan ‘temporarily’ halt strikes to mark Eid, but Islamabad warns strong response if Kabul shows aggression

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‘If you keep snakes in your backyard…’: Pakistan tops GTI as most terror-affected nation

India rushes aid after Pakistani strike kills over 400 in Kabul hospital

Pakistan-Afghanistan ‘temporarily’ halt strikes to mark Eid