The resurgence of terror incidents in several parts of the country should be a matter of concern for the authorities and law enforcement agencies. A deadly bomb targeted a busy shopping district in Lahore, killing at least two people and injuring dozens. Days earlier, a policeman was killed during a shootout at a checkpoint in Islamabad, described by the interior minister as an act of terrorism.
Pakistan has witnessed a series of small-scale attacks targeting policemen, security forces and civilians in recent weeks. The proscribed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which now operates freely from Afghanistan, has taken responsibility or has been blamed for the attacks. The incidents have mostly occurred after the breakdown of talks between the government and the armed terror group.
In December, the TTP unilaterally ended a ceasefire established under talks brokered by the Afghan Taliban, currently controlling Afghanistan. The TTP unleashed horrific violence after formation in 2007 before the Pakistan Army launched a crackdown to quell the movement. They eventually sought refuge in Afghanistan where they launched terrorist attacks within Pakistan, resulting in the loss of lives of security forces and civilians.
It should be a matter of concern that TTP is attempting to make a comeback with its nefarious activities. The Afghan Taliban have been unable to take action against the TTP but offered to mediate a one-month truce. More than 100 prisoners were released as part of the agreement. However, it seems the TTP attempted to use the deal as a pretext to release its fighters or prop up its reserves by ending the ceasefire agreement.
Most of the violence is attributed to the TTP. The newly-released National Security Policy envisages protecting the nation along with economic, industrial, social, cultural and human development. Our armed forces have rendered immense sacrifices in fighting terrorism and bringing order in the most challenging areas of the country. It is imperative to retain the successes and not allow such elements to resurface before we once again have a deal with the resurgence of terrorism.
