Pakistan is successfully fighting against militants in its tribal areas. The threat in tribal areas has complicated security situation. Many terrorist groups allegedly operate in FATA, e.g. Hafiz Gul Buhadur Group, Molvi Nazir Group, the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan, and the Haqqani Network/ Afghan Taliban. The operation Zarb-I-Azb was a huge success. Pakistan’s army destroyed many IED Factories, dismantled training Centers of the Suicide Bombers run by different terrorist groups and TTP Run Media Centers, exposed detention centers of militants and recovered foreign currency during Operation Zarb-i-Azb. For long term peace and stability in tribal areas, the government must carry out reconstruction and development programs aon a large scale. There is a need to rebuild the capacity of the local population. Free education, rehabilitation and de-radicalization programs must be initiated to mainstream FATA youth.

Strategic stability in South Asia is fragile because of India’s massive military build-up, doctrinal shift, and change in its strategic thinking. The Indian government has allocated billions of dollars to transform its tri-services with network centric and electronic warfare capabilities. This is likely to create a huge strategic disparity vis-à-vis Pakistan. Against this backdrop, the possibility of a limited war warrants countermeasures by Pakistan. India and Pakistan must show restraint and resolve their issues amicably through peaceful dialogue for the long-term peace and stability of South Asia.

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Since the devastating incident of 9/11, the terrorists have become more destructive and transnational in nature. This contemporary trend in terrorism has poured new seeds of unrest and turmoil around the globe. The emergence of Islamic States in Iraq and Syria is one of the same worries, having potential of massive destruction and fatalities across the region. Being wealthiest terrorist organization with huge stockpiles of weapons IS declared caliphate in 2014. This is alarming for the international community because IS has emerged as an organized, structured, well trained and highly motivated force in contemporary times. Though, there have been efforts launched to sweep this ferocious group by the US led alliance and regional stakeholders as well, these efforts remained either inadequate or counterproductive. The prevailing situation in the region concerned has also caused tensions in EU, South Asia and rest of the world. Keeping this backdrop in view, this study investigates the emergence, structure, funding sources and nature of terrorist activities of IS. Moreover, this research would be an attempt to highlight the challenges and opportunities for countering the menace of IS

The South Asian strategic stability is at risk because of the Indian military's doctrinal shift, massive military modernization and operationalization of the Cold Start Doctrine-(CSD) against a nuclear weapon state, Pakistan. This study is divided in two parts. The first part would emphasize on the strategic stability of South Asia and the Indian military's efforts to execute Cold Start Doctrine against Pakistan. Second part would highlight the Indo-Russian defense collaboration and its likely impact on regional security. The Russian T-90 MBTs, SU-30 MKI Air aircraft along with S-400 Air defense system, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities would be the backbone of any aggressive action against Pakistan. In addition, the Russian assistance in the nuclear submarines would provide India with assured second-strike capability and confidence to go for any misadventure against Pakistan under CSD. The Russian weapon and equipment would revamp the Indian military's overall warfighting capabilities, fill the operational gaps and enable India to operationalize the CSD against Pakistan. Limited war envisaged by the Indian military may not remain limited for Pakistan. Pakistan's quid pro quo response may push India to escalate the conflict which may endanger the deterrence stability in south Asia. Therefore, the Indian CSD is a threat to the regional peace and stability. India needs to consider shunning such types of strategies and resort to peaceful negotiations with Pakistan to resolve all outstanding issues for long term peace and stability in south Asia.