The Ideology of TTP is based on their belief that Sharia law should be implemented in Pakistan, and their goal is to establish an Islamic Emirate in the country. They view the Pakistani government as corrupt and unjust and seek to overthrow it through violent means.
TTP has targeted both government officials and civilians in their attacks and has been responsible for numerous casualties and human rights abuses.
In light of recent events, it is clear that the fall of Kabul was a significant moment for the Taliban and their allies. Their ultimate goal is to establish a base where they can freely expedite their extremist ideology and expand their influence to other borders. The situation is becoming increasingly challenging for Pakistan, which already faces inflation and political instability. The rise of extremist groups like Tahreek E Taliban Pakistan (TTP) is further complicating the political landscape and posing grave concerns for the Pakistani state.
TTP has increased its activities in different areas of Pakistan, especially in the ex-FATA, which is now part of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The TTP is organizing under the leadership of its commander, Mufti Noor Wali Mahsood, and spreading its ideology to other areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. This is distressing for security forces and the common people, who are being influenced by their messages.
Moreover, the Taliban closely monitoring the political situation in the country. They seem to be infiltrating Pakistan’s politics and regularly issue statements on unpleasant incidents. Mufti Noor Wali Mahsood is not only a good fighter but also a smart and knowledgeable politician who learned from previous TTP leaders.
“Inqilab E Mahsood” highlights the foundation of TTP and admits past mistakes made by the group. All of this makes it clear that the Pakistani state might face significant challenges in the future.
However, The State of Pakistan has attempted to negotiate with TTP through different channels but has not yet been successful. The Ulema delegation, led by Mufti Taqi Usmani, has held meetings with TTP representatives and the Afghan Taliban government officials. Efforts to strike a peace deal with the TTP began last year, but the process was unsuccessful, and the TTP resumed terrorist attacks.
The key demands put forward by the TTP include reversing the FATA merger, allowing them to keep their arms, and granting amnesty to their members. While Pakistan has released some TTP prisoners and pardoned a couple of their senior commanders, it has not accepted the demand to reverse the FATA merger. This has led to significant resentment among the tribes towards the state of Pakistan, which the Taliban could exploit to their advantage.
Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in a statement has claimed that another group of militants from North Waziristan tribal district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has joined the TTP. “The group led by Mukhlas Dawar from Khadi, North Waziristan has pledged allegiance to the TTP chief. Three policemen who were escorting a polio team in Tirah Mir Dara, Khyber tribal district, have been injured in an attack by unknown individuals who opened fire on the team. TTP has claimed responsibility for the attack.
In addition, the continued presence and activities of TTP in tribal areas of Pakistan have had a significant impact on the country and its people. The frequent attacks on security forces, civilians, and aid workers have resulted in the loss of lives and created an environment of fear and insecurity in many parts of the region. The polio workers who were attacked in Khyber tribal district were trying to provide a valuable public health service, but their efforts were thwarted by the violence of the militants.
The increasing number of militants joining the TTP is also a cause for concern as it strengthens the capabilities of the group and allows it to carry out more attacks.
This further undermines efforts to maintain law and order in the tribal areas and poses a threat to national security. The impact on the tribes living in these areas is also significant as they are caught in the crossfire between the militants and the security forces. Many have been displaced from their homes and are living in camps or as refugees in other parts of the country. The violence and instability have disrupted their way of life and made it difficult for them to access basic services such as healthcare and education. The activities of TTP and other militant groups in tribal areas have hurt the country and its people, particularly those living in the affected regions. Efforts must be made to address the root causes of the conflict and find a sustainable solution that restores peace and stability in the area.
Furthermore, The return of the Taliban might pose a significant problem for political parties, especially those who supported the operations in the previous period. The people of Ex FATA, who were hoping for a center of peace, education, and tourism, may be disappointed. They may add fuel to a new war where the results might be very dangerous, and the entire country may be affected. This fire may not only burn the tribals but every citizen of the country and turn everything to ashes.
The development will be left with nothing but fear and uncertainty. All of this raises a question: what does the future hold for Pakistan?
The Pakistani State needs to adopt a more proactive approach to deal with this threat. While military operations may have some short-term benefits, it is crucial that the underlying issues are addressed. Poverty, lack of education, and political instability all contribute to the rise of extremist groups like the TTP. It is important that the State invests in these areas, and provides opportunities for those who are vulnerable to radicalization. Additionally, the State needs to engage in dialogue with the TTP and other extremist groups. Only through dialogue and negotiation can a lasting peace be achieved.
Moreover, there is a need to be a greater emphasis on human rights and democracy in the country. The TTP’s brutal tactics and disregard for human life are unacceptable, and the State needs to ensure that human rights are protected, regardless of the circumstances. Freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and women’s rights all need to be safeguarded. Democracy is also crucial. The State needs to ensure that elections are free and fair and that the will of the people is respected.
The fall of Kabul has emboldened the Taliban and their allies, including the TTP, to increase their activities in Pakistan and exert influence over the country’s politics. The TTP’s ideology and actions pose a serious threat to the stability and security of Pakistan, and their refusal to negotiate with the government has resulted in continued violence and unrest.
The situation in the Ex-FATA region is particularly volatile, and there is a risk that the tribals could be drawn into another conflict that will have catastrophic consequences for the whole country.
It is crucial for Pakistan to address the TTP’s grievances and concerns through meaningful dialogue and negotiation, in order to prevent further escalation of violence and to secure the safety and well-being of its citizens.
The Author is a scholar of International Relations at the University of Karachi. He Tweets @saqib_mahsood