Pakistan: The National Security Committee has been thinking and trying to opt best solutions on how they should handle the threat coming from the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and how to deal with Afghan Taliban at the same time, whereas the latter are friends with Islamabad, unable to control TTP.
As per the sources, Pakistan has seen increased attacks by the TTP since the American Army left Afghanistan in 2021. Except for showing the intent to tolerate zero terrorism and violence inside Pakistan, there was no such decision to showcase that the army was ready to hit back at TTP.
Furthermore, the reports said that the Government of Kabul has already expressed its disappointment with the Interior Ministry of Pakistan, Rana Snaullah’s statement on the alleged possibilities of the attack by Islamabad at TTP hideouts in Afghanistan.
Even though the Taliban will not stop TTP and Zabihullah Mujahid, their spokesperson criticized the idea of possible transgression by the neighbour.
In addition, the recognized problem is that the TTP is gathering the other insurgents under its supervision. It has been expected that some of the Baloch separatists have joined it.
Moving forward, it is anticipated that such reasons and flawed politics in the Pakistani Military are among the primary reasons for the rise of attacks on defences and law enforcement agencies in Baluchistan.
The narrative of the state is also sharper and more accurate as it is clear from photographs of the Army Chief of Pakistan and chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, General Asim Munir, along with General Sahir Shamshad Mirza in carrying the casket of an officer recently killed in an attack in Baluchistan.
Moreover, the suicide attack in Islamabad on 23 December, where a police officer died, was a reminder of the time before 2018 when Pakistan’s capital, like Peshawar, Quetta, Karachi and many other cities, was constantly on edge.
That was when no one in Pakistan wanted to return to the Pakistani Military, politicians, or ordinary people.
Exposed holes and vulnerability
The reports said that, instead of showing military camaraderie, General Munir and General Mirza supported the casket, make a scary sight. The incident exposes the absence of political choices to resolve the problem in Baluchistan.
At the same time, it also displays the fact which shows loopholes in the Pakistan and Afghanistan policy and Kabul’s endangered Ness. In addition, Afghanistan can no longer count on the Taliban, which Pakistan has supported continuously since the 1990s.
They are known as the only genuine presenter of the Pashtuns who form the majority in the country. Other ethnic groups, however, challenge the notion of Pashtuns representing the absolute majority.
An encouraged TTP
It was conveyed that, unlike the Taliban, the TTP is evenly more focused on enforcing the long-term vision in Pakistan by Sharia in tribal areas specifically. In addition, the Reversal of the federally Administered Tribal Areas-Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province merger was demanded.
It wants the old system and political control restored, which means they are also looking for full control of the area and state intervention through its political agent. This system of government is explained in Tilak Devasher’s recent book The Pashtuns.
Define the redline
Riaz Mohammad Khan Pakistan’s former senior diplomat and former director of the ISI, Lt Gen. (retd) Asad Durrani, showed disagreement for caution and advice against rushing into the war in front with Taliban.
They also discusses about not involving foreign powers, referencing the American offer to help against the TTP.
Moreover, Possibly, the fear and danger are that using drones made in America may bring just a small amount of economic relief to the army but would leave it with an even larger problem of a non-stop conflict with the Taliban.
In the end, the current government of Shehbaz Sharif is now left with little alternative but to negotiate with the Taliban directly and convince Kabul that the TTP is Pakistan’s redline.