KARACHI: The latest United Nations monitoring report reveals that Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has emerged as the largest terrorist group in Afghanistan, bolstered by operational and logistical support from both the Afghan Taliban and factions of the Al Qaeda network. “The Taliban do not view TTP as a terrorist entity: their ties are deep, with significant indebtedness to TTP,” states the 15th report of the ISIL (Daesh) and Al-Qaeda/Taliban Monitoring Team, submitted to the UN Security Council. Estimating their strength between 6,000 to 6,500 fighters, the report notes that TTP now ranks as the largest among approximately two dozen groups operating…
Author: Behram Afghan
Azm-e-Shariat, the retaliatory operation announced by Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), follows closely on the heels of the government’s launch of Azm-e-Istehkam, a new security initiative aimed at combating terrorism. According to reports, TTP’s move is a direct response to the governmental measures. Earlier this week, concerns over the clarity of the TTP’s policy were raised by a journalist amidst the evolving situation. “The war with the Taliban has evolved into an ideological battle,” the journalist cautioned, highlighting TTP’s efforts to enhance political legitimacy through engagements with political parties and the establishment of a political office in Pakistan. Sarbakaf Mohmand, associated with…
The upcoming United Nations “Doha 3” meeting on Afghanistan, scheduled for June 30 to July 1, is causing significant concern. Afghan women, already suffering severe abuses under the Taliban, are being excluded from these crucial discussions. This exclusion deepens their disappointment with the UN’s response since the Taliban’s takeover in August 2021. Daily, the Taliban violate the rights of Afghan women and girls. They are denied the ability to study, work, seek healthcare, escape violence, and even walk freely. Many Afghan women hoped the UN would hold the Taliban accountable for these crimes, but the UN’s responses have been ineffective.…
Rising Militancy in Southern KP Has the TTP regained control in southern KP? In recent months, militant activity in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s southern districts has surged alarmingly. The Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has reasserted its presence, undermining the state’s control. This resurgence coincides with the tenure of Ali Amin Gandapur’s provincial government, raising critical questions about its ability and willingness to counter this threat. Gandapur’s Promises and the Reality Ali Amin Gandapur vowed to end militancy, even promising civilian checks on army trucks. Yet, in his district, Dera Ismail Khan, militants have taken control. A local MP admitted he cannot safely visit…
TTP Leader Abdul Mannan was killed in Kunar, Afghanistan’s northeastern province. Geo News reported this, citing sources on Wednesday. The terrorist, Abdul Mannan alias Hakeemullah, died in the Asadabad district. He was a member of TTP’s Malakand Shura, sources said. TTP Leader Abdul Mannan was involved in several terror activities in Pakistan. These included target killings, landmine blasts in Bajaur, and firing at security checkposts. He also engaged in extortion. Sources mentioned he was the right hand of TTP leader Azmatullah Mehsud. Abdul Mannan played a key role in shaping terrorist operations in Bajaur. Abdul Mannan joined the TTP in…
Taliban restrictions on Afghan women have dramatically impacted their lives, limiting their ability to work, learn, and move freely. When the Taliban imposed these restrictions, many women in Kabul and other cities protested for “food, work, freedom.” Violent Repression of Protests Zakia’s life fell apart when the Taliban took over Kabul on August 15, 2021. As the primary breadwinner, she lost her job. In December 2022, she joined a protest, her first chance to express anger over the restrictions. Protesters marched to Kabul University but were stopped. Zakia faced a gun pointed at her mouth. Fellow protesters were forced into…
Taliban’s ban on women’s education over the age of 12 in Afghanistan reached 1,000 days Thursday. This milestone has ignited global outrage and strong demands for the immediate resumption of children’s learning. UNICEF Denounces the Ban The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has labeled the ban as a “sad and sobering milestone.” According to UNICEF, 1,000 days out of school equate to 3 billion learning hours lost. Catherine Russell, the executive director of UNICEF, has warned the male-only Taliban government that no country can progress if half of its population is left behind. “For 1.5 million girls, this systematic exclusion…
Seven soldiers were martyred in an IED blast in Lakki Marwat, a district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa bordering Afghanistan. The military reported the tragic incident on Sunday. The attack killed six enlisted men and one officer. A senior police officer in Lakki Marwat told AFP that the explosion completely destroyed the vehicle. “We have received information that the vehicle came under fire after the blast,” he added, speaking on condition of anonymity. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is known for its militant activity, including groups like the Pakistani Taliban and ISIS. “Lakki Marwat is one of the districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa most affected by…
Iran threatens to retaliate if the UN nuclear watchdog approves a new censure resolution. The resolution was proposed by Britain, France, and Germany, Iranian media reported. Mohammad Eslami, the chief of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), stated, “In case of issuing a resolution against Iran in the board of governors and political pressure from the parties, Iran will respond according to the announcement it made to them.” The draft resolution condemns Iran’s alleged failure to fully cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). It demands greater accountability from Iran. This move follows a similar situation in March…
The Afghan Taliban have vehemently denied any involvement in the attack on Chinese workers in Pakistan. Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban’s chief spokesperson, reiterated their stance, asserting that Afghanistan bore no responsibility for the tragic events of March 26. He dismissed Pakistan’s probe as an attempt to sow discord between Afghanistan and China. A delegation from Pakistan had traveled to Kabul to present the findings of their investigation into the Attack on Chinese Workers. The Pakistani Foreign Ministry spokesperson revealed that they sought collaboration from Afghan authorities to apprehend the perpetrators, based on concrete evidence provided. The Afghan side pledged to…