Pakistan once claimed to be a part of the international community fighting against terrorism, but now the very terrorism it once opposed has become its biggest challenge. The terrorist organization it created, Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), has now become a festering wound for the country. This organization is not only carrying out terrorist attacks within Pakistan but is also opposing Pakistan’s government policies and military operations. The terrorism that Pakistan fought against for years has now spread within its own borders, and as a result, Pakistani security forces are facing daily terrorist attacks.

The Rise of TTP and the Threat to Pakistan

Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) is a radical terrorist organization that aims to wage jihad against the Pakistani government and threaten its existence. This organization was established in 2007 when several militant groups came together to form it. The goal of TTP is to transform Pakistan into an Islamic state and make it similar to Afghanistan under the Taliban. Despite Pakistan’s military operations, American drone attacks, and other international pressures, this organization has gradually grown and has now become a major crisis for the country.

Global Terrorism Index 2025 and Pakistan’s Position

According to the Global Terrorism Index 2025, published by the Institute for Economic and Peace (IEP), Pakistan ranks second in terms of terrorism. This report is based on data about terrorist incidents, deaths, and injuries worldwide. Pakistan’s position reflects the failure of its policies and the increasing attacks on its security forces. According to the report, terrorist attacks in Pakistan have been steadily increasing over the past five years, with the number of attacks rising to 1,099 in 2024, which is double compared to 2023.

The Growing Power of TTP

The growing power of TTP has become a new challenge for Pakistan. Since 2020, nearly 75 small and large groups have joined TTP, including the Hafiz Gul Bahadur (HGB) group. TTP’s influence is increasing in various regions of Pakistan, especially along the Afghan border. In 2024, TTP’s attacks resulted in 558 deaths, which is a 91% increase compared to 2023. TTP carried out 482 attacks in 2024, the majority of which targeted the Pakistani military and security forces.

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Terrorist Attacks in Pakistan’s Provinces

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces of Pakistan have become major centers of terrorist activities. After the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan soured further. Most of the terrorist incidents occurring in Pakistan are taking place in these two provinces, including attacks on security forces and killings of civilians. In Balochistan, there has also been an ongoing rebellion against the Pakistani government, with Baloch insurgents carrying out attacks on security forces, resulting in dozens of deaths.

In 2024, Baloch insurgents carried out 504 attacks, resulting in 388 deaths. This figure is significantly higher than the previous year. One of the most dangerous attacks of 2024 occurred at the Quetta Railway Station in Balochistan, where Pakistani security forces were targeted. These attacks have made Pakistan’s situation even more dire, and it now finds itself engaged in an informal war within its own borders.

The TTP-Taliban Relationship

The relationship between TTP and the Taliban in Afghanistan has deepened significantly. After the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan, TTP found refuge there, which further strengthened the organization. The Taliban released many key TTP prisoners from Kabul’s jails, including TTP’s co-founder, Amir Maulvi Fakir Muhammad. Additionally, the Taliban has publicly strengthened its ties with TTP and has supported its continued fight against Pakistan.

In 2020, TTP announced that it would no longer target civilians and would focus its violence directly against the Pakistani government and military officials. This shift in strategy was aimed at pressuring the Pakistani government to meet their demands. However, the return of the Taliban has further emboldened TTP, and it has made Afghanistan its safe haven.

Pakistan’s Policy Failures

This situation has become extremely dangerous for Pakistan as its own policies and military actions are not proving effective against terrorism. Despite several military operations against TTP, the organization’s influence continues to grow. The Pakistani government and military forces have no clear strategy to curb terrorism.

Pakistan’s efforts in its fight against terrorism have failed, reflecting the shortcomings in its foreign policy. The growing influence of TTP indicates that Pakistan needs to reassess its policies. If Pakistan does not take firm action soon, it will continue to fall victim to terrorism, and its internal situation will worsen.

What Is TTP’s Goal and Strategy?

TTP’s goal is to transform Pakistan into an Islamic state and overthrow the Pakistani government. The organization is waging jihad against Pakistan and exerting pressure on the government to meet its demands. For this purpose, TTP has targeted Pakistan’s military personnel and intelligence officers. Although it has pledged to spare civilians and religious minorities, its violent activities have threatened Pakistan’s entire system.

TTP’s strategy has become even more dangerous as the organization is now supported by the Taliban in Afghanistan, which has allowed it to escalate its activities. The organization is increasing its influence within Pakistan, creating an even more dangerous situation for the country.

What Lies Ahead for Pakistan?

Pakistan now needs to create a robust strategy to address its internal crises. To achieve success in military operations against TTP and other militant groups, Pakistan must make changes to its policies. Moreover, given the threat posed by the Taliban’s support, Pakistan must reconsider its security policy.

The growing influence of TTP and the increasing crisis of terrorism in Pakistan demonstrate that the country must take practical and decisive steps to strengthen its internal security. If Pakistan fails to act, its future could become even more bleak.

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