In a significant diplomatic and security development, Norway’s Police Security Service (PST) removed Pakistan from its National Threat Assessment list in April 2024. This announcement marked a major milestone in Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to reshape its global image, particularly concerning counter-terrorism and national security. The decision reflects years of Pakistan’s counter-terrorism initiatives and diplomatic endeavors, improving its global standing and opening up new avenues for collaboration in trade, education, and foreign relations.
The Historical Context
For several years, Pakistan had been listed on Norway’s National Threat Assessment due to concerns regarding its potential role in acquiring dual-use technologies and illegally transferring knowledge to advance its military capabilities. These concerns were highlighted in Norway’s 2022 and 2023 threat assessments, which placed Pakistan alongside other countries thought to be engaged in activities that could pose a risk to Norwegian national security. This inclusion on the list significantly tarnished Pakistan’s international image, leading to barriers in areas like trade, education, and diplomacy.
The Indian media, in particular, amplified these threat reports, portraying Pakistan as a security risk on the global stage. This narrative not only damaged Pakistan’s credibility but also impacted its ability to engage meaningfully with international partners. Pakistani students and researchers faced substantial difficulties in securing visas for study and research in Norway, while potential migrants seeking economic opportunities also experienced challenges due to heightened scrutiny. Consequently, Pakistan was compelled to engage in robust diplomatic efforts to reverse this negative perception and remove its name from Norway’s threat list.
Pakistan’s Counter-Terrorism Journey
Pakistan’s removal from the Norwegian threat assessment is a testament to its significant strides in combatting terrorism. Over the past two decades, Pakistan has been on the front lines in the global fight against terrorism, suffering tremendous losses both in terms of human life and financial damage. Following the 9/11 attacks, Pakistan became a target for various terrorist groups, leading to a loss of over 83,000 lives and causing economic damages estimated at 35 trillion rupees.
Recognizing the need for comprehensive counter-terrorism strategies, Pakistan launched several initiatives aimed at neutralizing the internal and external threats posed by extremist groups. One of the most pivotal developments was the formulation of the National Action Plan (NAP) in 2014. This plan established a framework for addressing terrorism through military operations, reforms in law enforcement, and counter-extremism measures. It also targeted financing channels for terrorist organizations, an issue that had drawn significant global scrutiny.
Among the most prominent military operations that helped Pakistan achieve internal stability were Operation Zarb-e-Azb and Operation Rad-ul-Fassad. Zarb-e-Azb, launched in 2014, focused on eliminating terrorist safe havens in Pakistan’s tribal areas, while Rad-ul-Fassad, initiated in 2017, expanded the scope of counter-terrorism efforts to target both armed militants and extremist ideologies across the country. These operations played a crucial role in reducing the number of terrorist incidents, restoring a semblance of stability, and transforming Pakistan’s security landscape.
Diplomatic Efforts:
Beyond its military operations, Pakistan has also made concerted efforts to improve its diplomatic relations, particularly with European countries like Norway. Over the past few years, Pakistan’s leadership has actively engaged in dialogue with Norwegian officials to emphasize its progress in counter-terrorism and to highlight the country’s evolving security landscape.
In September 2023, a key meeting took place between Pakistani Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and his Norwegian counterpart Anniken Huitfeldt during the United Nations General Assembly session. This dialogue underscored Pakistan’s desire to strengthen ties with Norway, with a focus on enhancing opportunities for legal migration, trade, and investment. Both countries also explored avenues for collaboration in education, research, and sustainable development, areas that had previously been hindered by Pakistan’s inclusion on Norway’s threat list.
Norway’s decision to remove Pakistan from the list in 2024 represents the culmination of these diplomatic efforts. It signals a shift in Norway’s perception of Pakistan, acknowledging the country’s progress in counter-terrorism and its broader contributions to global security. This decision aligns with Pakistan’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list in 2022, following the country’s successful reforms in anti-money laundering and combating terrorism financing. The international recognition of Pakistan’s progress in these areas has had a profound impact on the country’s global standing.
Changing the Threat Landscape:
Norway’s updated 2024 National Threat Assessment reflects a broader shift in its security priorities. The PST report highlights the growing domestic threat posed by far-right extremist groups, which have been identified as a significant concern. These groups are believed to be radicalizing through both online platforms and physical interactions, raising concerns about potential terrorist attacks within Norway. This focus on right-wing extremism marks a departure from previous assessments that emphasized external threats, including concerns about technology transfers from countries like Pakistan.
The PST also flagged international terrorist organizations, such as Al-Qaeda and ISIL, as ongoing threats to Norway’s national security. These groups continue to target European countries, motivated by perceptions of Western aggression towards Islam and Muslim minorities. Norway’s support for Israel and its involvement in global conflicts have further elevated its profile as a potential target for terrorist attacks, according to the PST report.
While Pakistan’s removal from the threat list indicates its success in countering terrorism, Norway remains vigilant about threats from other global actors. The PST report suggests that terrorist organizations may view incidents such as the 2023 Quran burning in Sweden and Norway’s support for Israel in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict as justifications for future attacks on European soil.
Impact of Pakistan’s Removal from the Threat List
The removal of Pakistan from Norway’s threat assessment list opens new possibilities for bilateral cooperation between the two nations. Trade, which currently stands at $128.4 million, is likely to see growth as barriers to entry are reduced and investment opportunities expand. Norwegian companies, such as Telenor, which has already invested over $4 billion in Pakistan since 2004, are expected to deepen their ties with the country. The potential for increased collaboration in sectors such as telecommunications, renewable energy, and education is particularly promising.
One notable example of existing cooperation is Scatec Solar ASA, a Norwegian alternative energy company that completed a solar power plant in Sindh, Pakistan. The plant is generating 150 MW of clean energy, underscoring the potential for future partnerships in sustainable development and clean energy initiatives. Additionally, the removal of Pakistan from the threat list could ease the visa approval process for Pakistani students and researchers, further enhancing educational exchanges between the two nations.
Norway is home to approximately 50,000 Pakistanis who contribute to the socio-economic development of both countries. This diaspora serves as a bridge between the two nations, fostering people-to-people exchanges and supporting economic growth through remittances and investments.
Strengthening Global Partnerships
Pakistan’s removal from Norway’s National Threat Assessment list is a testament to the country’s progress in counter-terrorism and its evolving role in global security. However, the journey is far from over. Pakistan must continue to address internal challenges, including political instability, economic volatility, and the resurgence of terrorist activities in certain regions.
To build on this achievement, Pakistan should focus on strengthening its international partnerships, particularly with countries that hold influence in global forums such as the United Nations and FATF. Enhancing trade relations, expanding educational opportunities, and promoting a positive narrative about the country’s progress will be essential to maintaining Pakistan’s improved global standing.
National Threat Assessment list
The decision by Norway to remove Pakistan from its National Threat Assessment list marks a significant victory in the country’s fight against terrorism and its efforts to restore its global reputation. This development paves the way for increased collaboration between the two nations in areas like trade, education, and investment. Moving forward, Pakistan must continue to demonstrate its commitment to combating terrorism and strengthening international partnerships, positioning itself as a stable and progressive player on the global stage.
References
- Norwegian Police Security Service (PST), National Threat Assessment Report 2024
- Reuters, “Norway Removes Pakistan from National Threat List,” April 2024
- FATF Report, October 2022
- Bilateral Relations Update, Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2023
