Today: 31 May 2025
20 September 2021
2 mins read

TTP-Taliban romance poses severe threat to Pakistan

But, the leader of TTP rejected the idea that the power-shift in Afghanistan would affect TTP strategies…reports  Sanjeev Sharma

The leader of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) or Pakistan Taliban has rejected the idea that the power-shift in Afghanistan would affect TTP strategies and added that TTP is already intensifying attacks against the government of Pakistan.

The head of the Islamic militant group Pakistani Taliban (TTP), Mufti Wali Noor Mehsud, welcomed the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan after 20 years of absence, in an exclusive interview with the Mainichi Shimbun.

He rejected the idea that the power-shift in Afghanistan would affect TTP strategies, adding, “We are already intensifying our attacks from time to time against the government of Pakistan.”

The Pakistani government is tightening its guard against the TTP, who are gaining momentum with the Taliban back in control. The two groups are known to share the ideal of governing by Sharia, or Islamic law.

During the interview, the leader spoke of the relationship with his Afghan counterpart to be “cordial and like a brotherhood.” But he denied collaboration and commented, “We don’t have any opportunities to participate (in their activities),” claiming that the TTP’s activities are confined within Pakistan, as per the report.

The Mainichi asked about the TTP’s relationship with China. Beijing has invested heavily in Pakistan’s infrastructure based on an economic package known as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, or CPEC, as part of its Belt and Road Initiative.

Recently, the Chinese nationals related to these projects are believed to have become targets of repeated terrorist attacks. Quite a few cases have been linked to the TTP, but Mehsud claimed, “There is no hostility between the TTP and China.” But he warned the Chinese government and its people to “not be influenced by Pakistan’s conspiracy and deception, and to avoid initiating a war against the TTP”, the report added.

Reacting to the interview, Chinese mouthpiece, Global Times reported that the TTP may continue its attacks in Pakistan and cause damage to China’s projects and personnel in the country.

Zhang Jiadong, a professor at the Center for American Studies, Fudan University, told the Global Times that encouraged by the Afghan Taliban’s victory, the TTP wants to realize Pashtuns’ rule in Pakistan. This is an issue of concern for the Pakistan government, noting that the resurgence of extremist groups in the region may affect the regional situation and more problems may emerge after the US withdrawal.

Zhu Yongbiao, director of the Center for Afghanistan Studies at Lanzhou University said TTP has absorbed many anti-Pakistan militants including other ethnic groups and international terrorist forces. It differs from the Afghan Taliban in its goals and attitude toward the Pakistan government.

Zhu noted that Pakistan has two main concerns over this: first, whether the victory of the Taliban in Afghanistan might stimulate the TTP and boost its confidence; and second, whether there will be stronger nationalism among the Pashtuns in Pakistan, which could lead to requests for territory.

Zhang warned it is possible that the TTP may conduct more activities in Pakistan and more Chinese people or Chinese projects may be attacked in order to increase pressure on the Pakistan government.

ALSO READ: SPECIAL: Afghanistan will Talibanise Pakistan

Previous Story

Saudi Foreign Minister in India today for 3-day visit

Next Story

BLOOVO Expands to Egypt and the US

Latest from -Top News

World needs Dubai’s ambition: Morgan

Piers Morgan has hailed Dubai’s transformation as an example of what visionary leadership can achieve. British broadcaster Piers Morgan has praised the extraordinary ambition and vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin

Mohammed honours football champions

Ruler of Dubai hails players as role models during palace reception His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, received the

Abu Dhabi sets 2050 energy vision

Abu Dhabi unveils AED400 billion energy roadmap, inked climate finance pact ahead of 2026 UN Water Conference Abu Dhabi has unveiled a sweeping strategic framework to transform its energy and water sector

Gargash: UAE’s pragmatism sets regional example

Anwar Gargash says the UAE stands as a beacon of what is possible when pragmatism and vision come together. As political instability, economic fragmentation and rapid technological change continue to reshape the

US flag returns to Damascus

Billions in energy deals and lifted sanctions mark Syria’s reintegration, as US reopens embassy and declares the war-torn nation “open for business” under new regional partnerships. The United States has reopened its
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Huge surge in poppy cultivation, drug smuggling in Afghanistan

This development comes amid a surge in violence in recent

Top US General warns of civil war in Afghanistan

The commander of US forces in Afghanistan said the US