Over the past two years, the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has made a significant resurgence in Pakistan’s tribal regions, particularly in North and South Waziristan. Once thought to have been defeated following Operation Zarb-e-Azb in 2014, the TTP has regrouped and is now carrying out an increasing number of attacks. These activities include targeted killings, extortion, and assaults on security forces, with a particular focus on the border regions with Afghanistan.
Much of the TTP’s renewed strength stems from the unification of various splinter factions under the leadership of Mufti Noor Wali Mehsud, who has prioritized consolidating power within the group. Under his leadership, factions that had broken away from the TTP, such as Jamat ul Ahrar (JuA) and Hezb ul Ahrar (HuA), have rejoined the alliance, greatly boosting the group’s operational capabilities.
Mufti Noor Wali Mehsud’s connections with the Afghan Taliban and Haqqani Network, in contrast to his predecessor’s leanings, have enabled the TTP to secure safe havens across the border in Afghanistan, specifically in Paktika province. From here, the group has leveraged its position to infiltrate Pakistan, re-establishing its presence in Waziristan and even extending its influence into distant regions like Karachi.
Taliban Operations and Impact on Civilians
The resurgence of the TTP has led to a marked increase in violence in Pakistan. Local sources report that the Taliban is not only conducting attacks but also levying taxes on local contractors working on development projects, including schools and roads, exacerbating the already difficult conditions for civilians in Waziristan. The TTP is believed to be extorting 5% of the value of contracts, further burdening an already struggling economy.
Protest in Ex FATA against the taliban
This increased violence has forced many residents to flee once again, creating a new wave of internally displaced persons (IDPs), echoing the mass displacements of 2014. Despite the Taliban’s claims that they do not target civilians, the fear of violence and lack of security has compelled thousands to leave their homes.
The Broader Regional Threat
The resurgence of the Pakistani Taliban does not just threaten Pakistan; it has regional implications. Afghanistan is still grappling with Taliban violence, and India faces ongoing threats from jihadist groups in Kashmir. China, too, is concerned given its economic interests in Pakistan through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the TTP’s historical links to Uyghur militants, some of whom fled to Afghanistan after Pakistan’s military operations in Waziristan.
Pak Afghan Torkham border gate in Khyber district
The U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan and the uncertainty surrounding Afghanistan’s future political stability have only emboldened the TTP. If the Afghan Taliban gains power, the TTP will likely feel further inspired to intensify its insurgency, drawing upon both ideological and material support.
Pakistan’s Dilemma
The re-emergence of the TTP has placed Pakistan in a precarious position. Operation Zarb-e-Azb had once driven the Taliban from Waziristan, but it came at a heavy cost—over a million displaced people and extensive property damage. Many of those displaced still live outside their home areas, demanding compensation and justice. Now, with the Taliban’s return, fears of renewed violence and instability loom large.
Critics argue that Pakistan’s security policies, especially concerning its ambiguous stance on certain militant groups, have contributed to the Taliban’s resurgence. As the world shifts its focus from Afghanistan, Pakistan’s tribal regions once again risk becoming a battlefield, with profound consequences not only for the local population but also for regional and global stability.
Conclusion
Map of bordering areas of Pakistan where tensions have increased
The Pakistani Taliban’s resurgence marks a troubling new chapter for Pakistan and its neighboring regions. The hard-fought gains of the past decade are under threat, and the return of violence in Waziristan is pushing more people into displacement. As the TTP expands its influence, the region braces for another wave of instability that could have far-reaching consequences for Pakistan and beyond.
