In addition to the country's financial losses, some local people face challenges in meeting their basic needs as a result of frequent blackouts and food safety problems.

The lack of a strong economic stimulus has given rise to social instability and created an environment in which some alienated young people join terrorist organizations.

Yet a sense of compassion remains. When two Chinese mountaineers were killed in a terrorist attack in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir shortly before we arrived in Pakistan, almost all the local people I talked to expressed their condolences.

They said they hope that the attack will not harm the good relationship between Pakistan and China, but they admitted that the terrorist threat cannot be wiped out overnight.

"China is always our best friend. I think all the people in Pakistan value the friendship with China," Ilyas said.

Local people also expressed their discontent over outsiders' interference in their domestic affairs. They complained about the heavy loss of civilian life from US drone operations in their country.

"When the drone comes, it kills one militant and kills 10 more innocent people," said a local man named Fikhar.

After hearing so many reports of deaths and casualties, local people believe that a day without a bomb attack is a good day.

The 'softer' solution to terror