Pakistan’s Zhob district, located on the border with Afghanistan’s Ghazni and Paktika provinces, is struggling to cope with a significant surge in terrorist activities originating from Afghan soil. In 2023, there has been a staggering 70% increase in militant attacks, primarily attributed to the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and its affiliates exploiting the porous border.Why this matters: The surge in terrorist activities in Pakistan’s Zhob district has significant implications for regional security and stability. If left unchecked, it could lead to further destabilization of the region, increased violence, and potential spillover into other countries.Pakistani security forces have responded with increased operations in the region, resulting in the neutralization of 29 terrorists and the unfortunate loss of one soldier in the past month. The area around Sambaza in Zhob has been a focal point for these operations since April 21, 2024, with a soldier martyred in the line of duty.The TTP’s activities are closely linked to al-Qaeda, utilizing their bases in Afghanistan for training and operational support. The group’s increased attacks in Pakistan aim to further Taliban and Pashtun interests, making them a formidable regional threat. The TTP has also developed alliances with other militant groups, including Baloch separatists and factions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has demanded that the Afghan interim government take action against TTP leaders, including its chief Noor Wali Mehsud. Naqvi stated, “We demand that the interim Taliban government arrest the TTP leaders, including its chief Noor Wali Mehsud and hand them over to Pakistan to maintain friendly relations between the two countries.”One of the most alarming incidents was the suicide attack on Chinese engineers in Bisham on March 26, 2024, which killed five Chinese engineers and their Pakistani driver. The attack was planned in Afghanistan and executed with the help of handlers and facilitators based in Pakistan. The TTP leadership orchestrated this attack as a high-profile operation, receiving substantial funding from hostile foreign intelligence agencies.Pakistan has repeatedly pressed Kabul to act against TTP terrorists operating from Afghan soil. Despite these demands, the interim Afghan government has yet to take significant measures to curb the activities of these militants. This lack of action has exacerbated tensions between the two countries, with Pakistan urging Afghanistan to hand over TTP terrorists involved in the Bisham attack.To address the surge in terrorist activities, Pakistan has implemented new security measures, including heightened border surveillance and the development of new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to protect Chinese nationals. The government has emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of Chinese citizens, given the strategic significance of their presence in Pakistan.The situation in Zhob district highlights the complex security challenges faced by Pakistan. With the TTP exploiting the porous border and the Afghan government’s reluctance to act against militants, Pakistan must adopt a multi-faceted approach. This includes addressing the root causes of terrorism, such as poverty and lack of education, while also seeking international support to bolster counter-terrorism efforts.Security forces continue their operations, the sacrifices of brave soldiers like Maj Babar Khan, who was killed in an intelligence-based operation on May 14, 2024, highlight the ongoing struggle against terrorism in the region. The resolve of Pakistani forces remains strong as they work to neutralize the threat posed by the TTP and its affiliates.Key Takeaways Pakistan’s Zhob district sees 70% surge in terrorist attacks from Afghan soil in 2023. Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and affiliates exploit porous border, linked to al-Qaeda. Pakistani security forces respond with increased operations, neutralizing 29 terrorists. TTP’s activities threaten regional security, with alliances with other militant groups. Pakistan demands Afghan government action against TTP leaders, including Noor Wali Mehsud.
Malayalam News Portal