Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) on Monday attacked a Pakistani police station in Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) killing 25 Pakistani policemen. However, Pakistan forces claim only four soldiers have died in TTP attack. Meanwhile, three terrorists have also been killed in the cross firing.
Heavy firing was heard during the encounter in nearby areas. The attack comes ahead of the high-octane SCO Meeting, showcasing Pakistan’s capabilities to organise such events.
Additionally, once again, TTP proved that Pakistan is unable to control the demons it unleashed. Initially, it provided space for the TTP, which seized the opportunity to grow so significantly that even the Pakistan Army is now struggling to contain it. The TTP began merging smaller factions into its organization in 2020, and since then, over 60 smaller terrorist groups have joined its ranks, making it nearly unbreakable.
Additionally, the TTP appears to be receiving back-channel support from the Afghan Taliban.
However, according to Pashtun organizations, there is a belief that the Pakistan Army and the TTP are colluding in these staged escalations, enabling Pakistan to secure foreign aid by presenting a front of fighting terrorism
Pashtuns call TTP, Pak Army ti vacate Pakhtunkhwa
Regardless, the Pashtuns are the ones facing the ultimate consequences. Their resources, including crude oil, gas, and emeralds, are exploited by the Pakistani establishment, while they are left to live in poverty and labeled as terrorist sympathizers for raising their voices.
The timing and nature of this blast also raise suspicions, as the Pashtuns as a nation are undergoing significant changes. They have organized a local jirga and issued a directive for Pakistani forces, the ISI, and the TTP to withdraw from Pakhtunkhwa within 60 days.
The TTP attack will provide another excuse for the Pak Army to continue operations and maintain control over the region for as long as they want. It also gives them a free hand to silence any dissenting voices under the pretext of fighting terrorism, as they have always done.