TTP footholds

The article highlights the unending war footing in KP especially the former FATA regions where terrorism is like a weed that just won’t die. Despite decades of military campaigns, the banned TTP still holds sway, deeply rooted in places like Tirah with command structures alive and well across the border in Afghanistan. It stings to see the people of Bajaur caught once again in the crossfire as Operation Sarbakaf unfolds, without even a warning. The protests by locals aren’t just noise, they’re cries of exhaustion. After twenty years of fighting, the question isn’t just why the TTP still exists, but why civilian efforts have failed so miserably to follow up on military success.

What struck me most is how the article peels back the layers of this flawed counterterrorism approach. It doesn’t hold back in pointing out that while soldiers have fought tooth and nail to clear regions, the government hasn’t stepped up to build lasting peace. The ‘build’ phase of the very heart of post-conflict recovery has been nothing but an empty promise. And now, yet again, we’re talking about fresh strategies and multipronged plans like revised NAP and “Harden the State” initiatives. But unless they actually take root in the soil where people bleed and mourn, we’re just going in circles. This isn’t just about defeating militants, but it’s also about restoring faith. And right now, KP’s people are being asked to survive without much hope of ever living peacefully.

Overview:

This editorial addresses the persistent hold of the banned TTP in KP’s ex-FATA regions, despite repeated military operations spanning over two decades. It sheds light on the continued command structure of the TTP in Afghanistan, civilian discontent with ongoing operations, and the failure of the state to deliver post-conflict development. The piece calls for a multipronged and humane counterterrorism response, beyond mere kinetic action, to reestablish the state’s writ and protect citizens.

NOTES:

The article brings attention to the lingering threat of terrorism in KP’s former FATA regions, despite over two decades of relentless military campaigns. It highlights the TTP’s persistent presence, especially in Tirah, and reveals how their command remains operational in Afghanistan. It highlights the recent launch of Operation Sarbakaf in Bajaur where once again civilians are caught off guard without prior warning, sparking protests and fears of renewed displacement. The article criticizes the repeated failure of the post-operation “build” phase, arguing that while security forces succeed in clearing areas, the civilian side of governance lags far behind. It points out the need for a balanced, multi-pronged approach that goes beyond military might to include effective legislation, public engagement, and robust institution-building. The article also stresses the importance of implementing the revised National Action Plan in full, warning that without these broader steps, the fight against terrorism will remain incomplete and the affected regions will continue to suffer in an endless loop of violence and neglect.

CSS Syllabus Relevance:

• Pakistan Affairs: Counterterrorism, ex-FATA integration, National Action Plan
• Current Affairs: Security challenges, Afghanistan-Pakistan relations, internal displacement
• International Relations: Cross-border militancy, Taliban regime impact, regional security
• Essay Paper: Civil-military balance, sustainable peace, insurgency and governance

Notes for Beginners:

This article talks about how terrorism still affects parts of Pakistan, especially the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region. Although the army has fought hard, the banned group TTP still operates from nearby areas in Afghanistan and attacks different parts of Pakistan. A new operation in Bajaur has again caused fear among local people, who say they were not informed and are tired of being caught in the middle. The article says the military alone cannot fix things—after clearing out terrorists, the government must help local people by building schools, roads, and police stations. Otherwise, the same problem will keep coming back, and people will keep suffering without real peace.

Facts and Figures:

• TTP remains active in ex-FATA despite over 20 years of military operations
• Operation Sarbakaf launched in Bajaur due to militant presence
• Tribes in Tirah requested TTP to withdraw; militants seek Afghan leadership’s advice
• Civilian protests erupt due to lack of warning and fear of displacement
• PM discusses multipronged strategy under ‘Harden the State’ committee
• National Action Plan implementation remains incomplete

To sum up, this article highlights a painful truth that despite countless sacrifices, we’ve fallen short of delivering peace to our own people. Until we stop treating counterterrorism as a checklist and start treating it as a commitment to our citizens’ lives and dignity, these cycles of violence will keep repeating. If KP is to heal, it needs more than soldiers. It needs solutions rooted in governance, empathy, and resolve.

Difficult Words and Meanings:

1. Entrenched – Firmly established and difficult to remove

Syn: Ingrained | Ant: Superficial

2. Infiltration – Secret movement into an area, usually for hostile purposes

Syn: Penetration | Ant: Withdrawal

3. Collateral – Indirect or unintended, especially damage

Syn: Secondary | Ant: Primary

4. Fiefdom – Area controlled by a single person or group with autonomy

Syn: Dominion | Ant: Public space

5. Kinetic – Related to physical force or motion

Syn: Active | Ant: Passive