Afghanistan Times
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KABUL – Pakistan is facing an escalating threat from the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) as the group strengthens its foothold in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly in the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). The surge in militant activity has prompted the military, led by Army Chief General Asim Munir, to convene a high-level meeting in Peshawar with political leaders to discuss urgent counterterrorism measures.
According to sources, the military leadership informed political parties of an imminent increase in targeted operations against the TTP. The group, emboldened by recent gains, has been expanding its control over various districts, establishing a shadow governance system that challenges state authority.
General Munir acknowledged past policy missteps that allowed the TTP to regroup, particularly the controversial release of TTP militants in 2021. “The army chief admitted that the ‘Good Taliban, Bad Taliban’ policy has caused Pakistan significant harm,” a senior opposition leader disclosed. The TTP’s resurgence has been facilitated by the Afghan Taliban’s control of Afghanistan, providing them with strategic depth and a logistical safe haven.
Rising tensions emerged over the PTI-led provincial government’s role in counterterrorism efforts. Governor Faisal Karim Kundi accused Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur’s administration of withholding resources for military operations. “The PTI government is not fully committed to eliminating the Taliban threat,” Kundi alleged, highlighting the misallocation of funds meant for counterterrorism.
Despite avoiding direct criticism of PTI and Imran Khan, General Munir stressed that Pakistan’s military will no longer tolerate any Taliban presence. He referred to the TTP as “khawarij,” an Islamic term denoting those outside the faith, a label now used in official military statements. Munir further warned that Pakistan would not allow Afghan territory to serve as a TTP safe haven. “Our airstrikes last month sent a clear message that we will not accept cross-border attacks,” a military official stated, referencing Pakistan’s strikes in Afghanistan’s eastern Paktika province on December 24.
The meeting took place amid an alarming surge in TTP-led attacks. In 2024, Pakistan experienced its highest number of militant incidents in a decade, with the TTP and its affiliates responsible for the majority. Since the Afghan Taliban’s return to power in 2021, the TTP has not only expanded its operational reach but also intensified recruitment efforts, capitalizing on Pakistan’s economic crisis and growing unemployment.
“The lawlessness has reached an all-time high. People are scared to leave their homes,” said Abdullah Bettani, a political activist from Tank. “Even with increased military action, civilians—including women and children—are suffering due to crossfire and targeted killings.”
The TTP’s growing strength is further fueled by a massive influx of weapons, including U.S.-made arms left behind in Afghanistan following the 2021 American withdrawal. With these resources, the TTP has entrenched itself across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, establishing governors and intelligence operatives who enforce their strict rule.
“The Taliban’s relocation to merged districts has worsened tribal disputes, increased targeted violence, and revived old conflicts,” said tribal rights activist Mona Naseer. The situation in Kurram district, where over 100 villages have been under siege since November due to TTP-linked clashes, exemplifies the growing instability.
The Haqqani Network, a long-standing ally of the Afghan Taliban, now plays a crucial role in supporting the TTP. The group’s presence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has intensified, with local commemorations for Haqqani Network leader Khalil Rahman Haqqani, who was recently killed in an Islamic State attack, signaling deep ties between the factions.
TTP leader Umar Mukarram Khosarani issued a statement reaffirming the group’s commitment to its militant goals. “We will continue the mission of the martyr [Khalil Haqqani] to establish an Islamic system,” he declared. Former TTP spokesman Ehsanullah Ehsan warned of a broader insurgency, stating, “The TTP will expand its focus beyond the army to all state institutions. We seek 100% implementation of Islamic rule, and we will not compromise.”
