US faulted for terrorism surge in Pakistan

Abrupt withdrawal from Afghanistan has compromised security, analysts say

The continued threat of terrorism evidenced by a bomb blast in Peshawar, Pakistan, on Jan 31 that killed at least 100 people demonstrates the impact of regional insecurity following the United States-led NATO's long occupation of Afghanistan and its abrupt withdrawal, experts say.

However, the situation in Pakistan is likely to improve with continuing efforts by Pakistan and support from other countries, they say.

"The explosion is another manifestation of the rise of terrorism in Pakistan," said Salman Bashir, a former Pakistani ambassador to China.