It has been nearly two years since the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan and returned to power. Pakistan, although wary of the fallout from the US withdrawal, attempted to develop relations with the Taliban. Pakistan approached the new rulers with a clear warning that Afghan soil should not be used for terrorism and action should be taken against the outlawed TTP.
The Pakistan Army has now expressed serious concerns over the presence of TTP safe havens and using Afghan soil against Pakistan. The statement comes after a brazen attack at a military cantonment in south-west Balochistan in which nine soldiers were martyred. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif showed his frustration and blamed the Afghan Taliban for not following the Doha agreement. The minister made a firm commitment to root out terrorism whether Afghanistan cooperated or not, and take action against the presence on terror groups on Afghan soil.
These attacks have escalated after the TTP ended its truce with the government in November last year. Since then, we have seen terror attack in Karachi, Peshawar and more frequently in Balochistan. The TTP have also opened new front by lodging attacks on security forces in Balochistan. Islamabad says it has time and again raised the matter of TTP and its offshoots with Afghan Taliban but not received a serious response.
The recent attack does not auger well for Pakistan and regional peace as it shows that TTP have ramped up attacks in areas considered relatively safe from terror attack. More importantly, it shows that TTP and its affiliates continue to target security forces. It also shows that efforts to persuade the Afghan Taliban to take action against the TTP have failed.
Pakistan needs to develop a comprehensive strategy against the resurgence of terrorism in the country. It needs to revisit its policy and deal with a firm hand instead of being cautious of creating trouble for the neigbouring country. We need to focus on national interests and security as the armed forces continue to make sacrifices in tackling the scourge of terrorism.
It should be remembered that the Afghan Taliban freed up prisons and released hardcore militants rather than handing over to Pakistan. They also refused to control the TPP despite efforts to negotiate a truce. It is the need of the hour to revisit our Afghan policy and taken decisive action against the TTP.
