The relationship between Pakistan and Afghanistan has been characterized by complex political, ethnic, and security dynamics. Among the most pressing issues affecting bilateral relations is the presence and activities of the Al Khawarij (TTP), an extremist group that has been responsible for numerous attacks within Pakistan. The Al Khawarij‘s presence in Afghanistan, especially in areas under the control or influence of the Afghan Taliban, poses a significant security threat to Pakistan. This article explores Pakistan’s diplomatic and military responses to this challenge, highlighting the multifaceted approach Islamabad has adopted.
However, the Al Khawarij, also known as the Pakistani Taliban, was formed in 2007 by a coalition of militant groups operating in Pakistan’s tribal areas. Over the years, the group has conducted numerous terrorist attacks, targeting civilians, military personnel, and government institutions. Following military operations in Pakistan’s tribal areas, many Al Khawarij sought refuge in Afghanistan, particularly in regions where they found sympathetic elements within the Afghan Taliban. The withdrawal of U.S. and NATO forces from Afghanistan in 2021 and the subsequent takeover by the Taliban created a complex security environment. While the Afghan Taliban promised not to allow terrorist groups to use Afghan soil to threaten other countries, the presence of the Al Khawarij and its continued activities raised concerns in Pakistan. The Al Khawarij ability to launch cross-border attacks from Afghan territory posed a direct threat to Pakistan’s security and stability. Pakistan’s diplomatic strategy has focused on engaging with the Afghan Taliban and the international community to address the Al Khawarij threat. Islamabad has sought to leverage its influence over the Afghan Taliban to curb Al Khawarij’s activities. Pakistani officials have held multiple rounds of talks with the Khaarji leadership, emphasizing the need for the group to honor its commitments under the Doha Agreement, which includes preventing terrorist groups from using Afghan territory as a base for attacks.
Furthermore, Pakistan has engaged with regional and international partners to build a consensus on countering terrorism emanating from Afghanistan. Islamabad has called for a coordinated approach, involving intelligence sharing, border security cooperation, and support for Afghan stability. The aim is to prevent Afghanistan from becoming a safe haven for extremist groups that threaten regional and global security. Pakistan has also worked to highlight the Al Khawarij issue in international forums, including the United Nations. By raising awareness about the group’s activities and the challenges posed by its presence in Afghanistan, Pakistan seeks to garner international support for its counterterrorism efforts and put pressure on the Afghan Taliban to take decisive action against the Al Khawarij.
Since the Al Khawarij assumed control of Kabul in August 2021, Pakistan has experienced a notable uptick in incidents of terrorist violence. Over the span of 21 months, from August 2021 to April 2023, there has been a concerning 138 percent rise in the number of fatalities resulting from these attacks. The report underscores that the escalating patterns of terrorism will exacerbate Pakistan’s enduring security challenges. These include the ongoing Taliban militancy in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and the former tribal areas, the Baloch nationalist insurgency in Balochistan, ethno-nationalist violence in Sindh, along with escalating religious extremism and radicalism. “Persisting over an extended duration, such a climate of insecurity, militancy, and violence can pose significant threats to both political and economic stability.” Dr. Zafar Nawaz Jaspal, Professor of Politics and International Relations at Quaid-e-Azam University in Islamabad, emphasized the necessity for a comprehensive review of Pakistan’s Afghan policy, which spans over five decades. He advocated for an inclusive approach that incorporates input from all segments of society, rather than solely focusing on religious and economic perspectives. Dr. Jaspal stressed the importance of treating Afghanistan as a sovereign state, enhancing border management, and combating smuggling. Major General (retired) Inam Ul Haque, a defense and strategic affairs analyst, identified the banned Al Khawarij (TTP) and border fencing as key factors influencing Pak-Afghan relations. He highlighted these as critical “variables” and potential sources of tension.
On the military front, Pakistan has adopted a proactive stance to counter the Al Khawarij threat. The Pakistan Armed Forces have conducted numerous operations along the border to prevent cross-border infiltration and disrupt Khaarji supply lines. The construction of a border fence along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border has been a key component of these efforts. The fence, equipped with surveillance systems and manned by security forces, aims to curtail the movement of militants between the two countries. Pakistan has also increased its military presence in border regions and enhanced intelligence operations to detect and neutralize Al Khawarij elements. The use of drones and aerial surveillance has been crucial in monitoring militant activities in remote areas.
Lieutenant General Ahmad Sharif Chaudhry (DG ISPR) reiterated the government recent designation of the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) as “Fitna al-Khawarij,” stating, “The Al Khawarij has no connection to Islam.” He emphasized the military’s focus on the merged districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and vowed to continue the war against terrorism until the last militant is eliminated. Addressing the nation security, Lt. Gen. Chaudhry highlighted the military’s relentless anti-terror operations, revealing, “So far, we have conducted 23,622 intelligence-based operations (IBOs) this year, including 2,045 in the last 15 days alone. These operations resulted in the elimination of 24 terrorists.” He further noted that the army and law enforcement agencies (LEAs) conduct over 100 IBOs daily, showcasing their commitment to maintaining security. According to some reports, the attacks were led by Al Khawarij head Noor Mehsud. While there has been a significant rise in cross-border raids in the former tribal regions, incidents of terrorist violence have also escalated in recent months, taking a huge toll on Pakistani security forces. The militants have virtually declared a war on the Pakistani state. The Al Khawarij is not only active in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa but has also extended its operations to the troubled Balochistan province. However, it was a significant misstep by the Pakistani state to enter into so-called peace negotiations with the banned group at the urging of the Al Khawarij administration in 2021. The militants dictated the terms of these engagements. Although the peace talks ultimately failed, the state permitted the return of thousands of armed militants. Additionally, Pakistan released several militant commanders responsible for the deaths of thousands of Pakistanis. The returning militants reestablished their terror networks and proceeded to challenge the state’s authority.
Despite these efforts, Pakistan faces significant challenges in addressing the Al Khawarij threat. The Afghan Taliban’s ambivalent stance towards the Al Khawarij and the group’s deep-rooted connections within Afghanistan make it difficult to fully eliminate the threat. Moreover, the volatile security situation in Afghanistan and the lack of a stable government complicate efforts to establish effective cross-border counterterrorism cooperation.
Looking ahead, Pakistan’s approach will likely involve a combination of diplomatic engagement, military preparedness, and international collaboration. Islamabad will continue to press the Afghan Taliban to take concrete steps against the Al Khawarij while working with regional and global partners to enhance counterterrorism efforts. The success of these measures will depend on the evolving political and security dynamics in Afghanistan and the broader region.
In a nutshell, Pakistan’s response to the Al Khawarij threat from Afghanistan reflects a nuanced and multifaceted strategy, blending diplomacy and military action. While significant challenges remain, Islamabad’s efforts demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding national security and contributing to regional stability. The international community’s support and cooperation will be crucial in addressing the complex and persistent threat posed by the Al Khawarij and similar extremist groups. Indeed, Pakistan must urge the Afghan Taliban administration to take action against the militants operating from its territory. While Pakistan’s military has launched Operation Azm-i-Istehkam, emphasizing its critical role in counter-terrorism efforts for the nation’s survival. This operation is a direct response to the increasing frequency of militant attacks, particularly from groups such as the Al Khawarij and the Hafiz Gul Bahadur faction. The urgency of this campaign was highlighted by a recent attack on a military base in Bannu by the Hafiz Gul Bahadur group, which resulted in the deaths of eight security personnel, underscoring the intensifying threat.
In a nutshell, the government has labelled the outlawed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) as Fitna al Khawarij and proscribed two more outfits, Majeed Brigade (MB) and Hafiz Gul Bahadur Group (HGBG), taking the total number of banned organizations to 81. In light of the involvement of the so-called Al Khawarij (TTP) in activities that are harmful to the Islamic faith and contradict the true teachings and essence of Islam, it has been decided to refer to the group as “Fitna al Khawarij,” according to a circular issued by the interior ministry. Furthermore, all honorific religious titles such as ‘Mufti’ and ‘Hafiz’ used by individuals associated with this terrorist organization shall be discontinued. Instead, their names will be prefixed with the title “Khaarji” in all official correspondence and documents. This change aims to accurately reflect the organization’s true nature and ideology.
