Pakistan is once again in the clutches of monster TTP attacks. The nightmare has returned, as the monster’s wings smother the nation in darkness. We have once again entered an era marked by terrorism, extremism, kidnappings, and extortion. Since the fall of Kabul in 2021, Pakistan has hoped to secure its western border, but expectations were not met. Instead, there is a marked escalation between the both countries. Pakistan has repeatedly raised concerns over TTP’s presence and the use of Afghan soil against Pakistan, but Kabul authorities have consistently denied any such claims.
Despite repeated reassurance given by Kabul that its land would not be used to fuel terrorism in Pakistan, the report published by UNSC confirms that “the status and strength of TTP in Afghanistan had not been changed.” It tells the story of how the Taliban regime continues to provide the banned TTP with logistical, financial, and operational support thus enhancing the group’s capacity to sustain its presence and activities. The report underscores that the family of TTP leader Noor Wali Mehsud receives around $43,300 per month from the Afghan Taliban.
The findings further reveal that TTP has established new training camps in Kunar, Nangarhar, Khost, and Paktika provinces for enhancing their military capabilities and recruitment. It also highlights that with over two dozen terrorist groups operating in Afghanistan. The incubation of several terrorists’ outfits in Afghanistan is transforming the security landscape of South Asia into a wider regional security threat.
The inevitable question remains: What happens next? Are we again in the era of terrorism? Are we again going to witness the dead bodies of innocent people? Are we again going to mourn over the losses? Are we again going to breathe in the air of terror? Is Khyber Pakhtunkhwa going to become the hub of terrorism instead of tourism?
Definitely, the mind goes against these realities and wants to say no, but what’s been done in recent years matters the most. Pakistan has shifted its policy and adopted a tougher stance towards Kabul. Any talks with TTP were rejected. In this regard, the government mounted pressure on the Afghan Taliban leadership. Kabul has also become relentless against Pakistan. With the Afghan Taliban backing the TTP, tensions have deepened, leaving behind lingering hostility that could become the biggest obstacle to stability in Pak-Afghan relations. The implications are grave.
Disclaimer: Opinions expressed in the writing are the author’s own and do not represent the policy of Khabar Kada.
