In the early hours of a Tuesday morning in September 2001, when everything was going like any other typical day. Suddenly time seemed to freeze. The ordinary routines came to an abrupt halt as the whole world watched an unforgettable tragedy unfold. These attacks were not just considered a blow to United State’s economy and sovereignty, it was actually an assault on the very idea of global security. What followed after those attacks was a bold declaration from United States: a “War on Terror”, which was intended to eliminate the menace that had killed many innocent lives.
For over two decades, this war has unfolded across continents, with military strikes, invasions, and intelligence operations to eradicate terrorism at It’s root. But now, more than twenty years later, this question emerges: has the war on terror made the world safer? Did it truly achieve it’s goal?
I wouldn’t deny the achievements of the war on terror. Because it undeniably achieved some objectives. Many of the masterminds who were behind major terror attacks have been captured, tortured or killed. Many terrorist organizations including Al-Qaeda and ISIS have suffered and experienced major damage due to military efforts and international cooperation. The strengthen counterterrorism policies played a great role in it. These efforts have undoubtedly saved countless lives. In some regions, international coalitions have also been successful in eliminating terror cells and the expand of their extremist ideologies.
However, the war cost tells us a different story. The invasion of Afghanistan and Iraq, which was justified as a counterterrorism measures by United States, actually developed into prolonged conflicts. That lead to the deaths of thousands of innocent civilians. These invasion actually destabilized many regions. Like how the nations like Syria, Yemen and Libya become the region of violence and chaos. Not just these regions, it’s effect actually extended towards Middle East as well. The local population was inadvertently got radicalized in my cases.
Due to the geographical and strategic position of Pakistan, it become an evident partner in this war on terror. Pakistan is still paying the extraordinary cost of this partnership, as it became a hub of military operations while it also faced the increase in domestic terrorism.
Statistically, if we see between 2001 and 2024, the country suffered over 83,000 fatalities due to terrorism, that include civilians, military personnel, and law enforcement officials. Many cities like Peshawar, Lahore, Karachi etc, witnessed devastating attacks, routine bombings targeting public spaces. Not just that, Pakistan also paid the staggering price economically, losing billions in infrastructure damage, the lost trade and in security measures. The already unstable region become more unstable as a result.
Globally and within Pakistan, terrorism has evolved. While centralized networks like Al-Qaeda have weakened, the rise of groups like ISIS and the proliferation of lone-wolf attacks show how terrorism has adapted to a more fragmented world. In Pakistan, the resurgence of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) underscores the persistence of extremist threats, despite military successes. In many cases it has also created the climate of suspicion and loss of trust better civilians and governments. Globally, the war has altered how societies perceive security and freedom. Sweeping surveillance programs, from the U.S. Patriot Act to Pakistan’s anti-terrorism measures, have sparked debates about the balance between safety and civil liberties.
As the world looks back on the War on Terror, we must ask ourselves: Have we made the world safer, or have we simply shifted the conflict to new fronts? For Pakistan, the answer is far from simple. The country has shown incredible resilience in the face of immense challenges, but the damage done by years of war, instability, and loss will take generations to heal. On a global scale, the legacy of this war serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of focusing on immediate security at the expense of long-term peace. To truly make the world a safer place, nations must come together to tackle the root causes of terrorism—poverty, inequality, and political instability—and focus on fostering mutual understanding and cooperation across borders.
The War on Terror has undoubtedly altered the global security landscape, but it’s clear that lasting peace can’t be built solely on military might. For Pakistan and the world at large, the path forward requires more than just fighting terrorism—it demands the creation of societies where extremism has no room to grow.
