Pakistani military officials are increasingly concerned about the recent deadly suicide attack on a military post in northwest Pakistan and the growing armed attacks in tribal regions this year. Tehreek-e-Jihad Pakistan (TJP), a little-known group, was behind the deadly bombing in Dera Ismail Khan district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, leading to the deaths of at least 23 soldiers and 34 injuries.
The attacks by TJP have evoked memories of past attacks led by the Pakistan Taliban (TTP) in late 2000. Security forces have faced an increase of 67 percent in attacks in the first 11 months of the year, with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan being the worst affected. The TTP’s termination of the ceasefire last year is believed to have sparked the surge in violence.
Since its formation in 2007, TTP has been responsible for civilian and law enforcement casualties, with its deadliest attack occurring in 2014 when it targeted the Army Public School. The group has also claimed responsibility for the shooting of Malala Yousafzai in 2012.
While Pakistani officials hoped the TTP could be managed after the return of the Taliban government in Afghanistan in 2021, the failure to mend relations between the two has led to increased tensions. Additionally, the emergence of TJP, affiliated with TTP, has further fueled concerns. The group, known for implementing suicide attacks, has carried out several destructive attacks on security force camps.
With the surge in violence and lack of public support, the Pakistani government faces challenges in formulating an effective strategy. While some experts advocate for focused internal operations to dismantle the network of armed groups within the country, others argue that dialogue is essential and must remain open. Despite multiple peace agreements and military operations in the past, the government continues to struggle with defining its policy against TTP.
The recent expulsion of over 1.5 million undocumented Afghans and threats to conduct cross-border attacks on TTP hideouts in Afghanistan have added to the tensions between Pakistan and the Taliban government. The latter has denied that Afghan soil is being used to harbor fighters carrying out cross-border attacks. Ultimately, Pakistan must carefully consider its options and take measures to contain and eliminate the growing threat of armed rebellion in the region.