Pakistan's Banned Armed Group Taliban Threatens Army, Fears Increased Violence
Islamabad, Pakistan: Pakistan's banned armed group, the Pakistan Taliban (TTP), has threatened the Pakistani army, stating that it will target security personnel and expand its attacks to the military's business interests.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the TTP pledged to target various commercial enterprises run by the Pakistani military. Among the institutions the group named were: the Rawalpindi-based logistics company National Logistics Cell, the engineering and construction specialist Frontier Works Organisation, the fertiliser producer Fauji Fertiliser Company, military-run housing authorities across Pakistan, a commercial bank, and several other entities.
The TTP has warned civilians to distance themselves from these military-run organisations within three months and has advised employees of these companies to seek alternative sources of income.
So far, there has been no response from the Pakistani military to the TTP’s threat. Al Jazeera reached out to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military’s media wing, but did not receive a reply.
This threat comes at a time when tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan are escalating. Last month, the Pakistani military conducted airstrikes in Afghanistan, targeting alleged hideouts of TTP fighters.
The Pakistan Taliban is ideologically aligned with the Afghan Taliban, and since the Afghan Taliban's rise to power in August 2021, TTP attacks in Pakistan have significantly increased. In 2023, nearly 1,000 people, mostly security personnel, were killed in TTP attacks.
Analysts suggest that the TTP’s recent move represents a major strategic shift, potentially escalating its fight against the Pakistani military.
Additionally, support from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters and the country's political divisions are influencing this threat, with PTI members running social media campaigns against military-run businesses.
Experts warn that the TTP's strategy could lead to an increase in violence in urban areas, putting additional pressure on the military.
