
ISLAMABAD -- The latest surge in terrorist attacks by the Islamic State group is giving Pakistan the challenge of a third front of engagement, as it is already battling the Pakistani Taliban (TTP) and Baloch separatists, pushing Islamabad to further enhance cooperation with the Taliban regime in Afghanistan in an attempt to contain IS threats locally.
During March, the terrorist activities of IS in Pakistan have suddenly increased. On March 4, a suicide bomber killed 64 Shiite worshippers in the northern city of Peshawar. On March 8, another suicide blast killed seven security personnel guarding the route of President Arif Alvi in Sibi, a city in the southwestern Balochistan Province.