In recent months, the southern districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) have seen a dramatic and alarming rise in militant activity. The Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a formidable insurgent group, has reasserted its presence, effectively undermining the state's control in these regions. This resurgence has coincided with the tenure of the Ali Amin Gandapur-led provincial government, raising critical questions about the government's ability and willingness to counter this growing threat.
Ali Amin Gandapur made a strong pledge to end militancy, boldly stating that even army trucks would be subject to civilian checks. However, the situation in his own district, Dera Ismail Khan, tells a different story. The area is now virtually under the control of militants. A local Member of Parliament from the district has openly admitted on the floor of the house that he cannot safely visit his own constituency. The situation has deteriorated to the point where TTP commanders, particularly Gohar Wazir, have been setting up courts in North Waziristan.
According to senior journalist Dilawar Wazir, this practice has been ongoing for months and has increased since Gandapur's government took office. When I asked him about Gandapur's bold claims, he remarked that they were merely rhetoric, far removed from the grim reality on the ground.
Two weeks ago, protesters in Parachinar, district Kurram, took to the streets demanding peace in their area. Residents of Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Dera Ismail Khan, and Karak I spoke to reported that militants take control of the main roads after evening, with security agencies nowhere to be seen. This stark contrast between Gandapur's rhetoric and the ground reality highlights a significant failure in addressing the security concerns of his region.
Historically, the southern districts of KP, including Dera Ismail Khan, Tank, Lakki Marwat, South and North Waziristan, Karak and Bannu, have been hotbeds of militant activity. These areas, characterized by rugged terrain and socioeconomic challenges, have often been used as sanctuaries by various insurgent groups. The Pakistani military has conducted numerous operations to root out these militants, but the results have been mixed, with periods of relative calm followed by renewed violence.
The TTP has also garnered local support by tapping into grievances against the state. Issues such as land disputes, tribal rivalries, and economic deprivation have been skillfully manipulated by militants to gain a foothold in the community.
The TTP's resurgence in the southern districts can be attributed to several factors, with weak governance being a leading cause. The provincial government's failure to establish effective governance and provide basic services has created a vacuum that the TTP has exploited. In many areas, militants have established parallel administrations, offering a semblance of order and justice, albeit a brutal one.
Numerous reports of security lapses and intelligence failures further exacerbate the problem. Local police forces, often under-resourced and demoralized, are ill-equipped to deal with the sophisticated and well-armed TTP militants. The military's focus on other regions and broader national security concerns has compounded this issue.
The TTP has also garnered local support by tapping into grievances against the state. Issues such as land disputes, tribal rivalries, and economic deprivation have been skillfully manipulated by militants to gain a foothold in the community. Local reporters, who requested anonymity, say that residents often take their disputes to TTP commanders for arbitration due to their lack of faith in the courts and local administration.
Gandapur's administration has been accused of neglecting the southern districts in terms of both development and security. This neglect has fueled resentment and allowed the TTP to portray itself as a defender of local interests. Within PTI circles, he has been derisively labeled the "TikTok CM" for his rhetoric and threats to the federal government, while his actual power is so limited that he cannot even change the Deputy Commissioner of Peshawar.
Historically, the southern districts of KP, including Dera Ismail Khan, Tank, Lakki Marwat, South and North Waziristan, Karak and Bannu, have been hotbeds of militant activity. These areas, characterized by rugged terrain and socioeconomic challenges, have often been used as sanctuaries by various insurgent groups.
A PTI parliamentarian from Mardan told this correspondent, "Our CM cannot rein in WAPDA officials or replace police and district administration officials who have wrongfully imprisoned and harassed PTI workers. How can he control militancy? When you are compromised for various reasons, you cannot challenge the status quo. Why is Imran Khan challenging the system? Because he is financially clean," he said, requesting anonymity.
The consequences of the TTP's resurgence in the southern districts of KP are dire. The ongoing violence has led to a humanitarian crisis, with thousands of people displaced from their homes. Schools, hospitals, and other essential services have been disrupted, exacerbating the region's already dire socioeconomic conditions.
The instability has severely impacted economic activities. Trade routes have become unsafe, and local businesses are struggling to survive in an environment of fear and uncertainty. Perhaps the most significant consequence is the erosion of state authority. The TTP's ability to operate with impunity has undermined the public's trust in the government and its institutions.
Addressing the TTP threat in the southern districts of KP requires a multi-faceted approach. The provincial government must prioritize security in these regions. This includes enhancing the capabilities of local police forces and ensuring better coordination with the military and intelligence agencies.
Addressing the root causes of militancy requires long-term development initiatives. The government needs to invest in infrastructure, education, and healthcare to win the hearts and minds of the local population.
Engaging with local communities and leaders is crucial. The government must address legitimate grievances and involve local stakeholders in the decision-making process to build trust and cooperation. Efforts must be made to counter the extremist narratives propagated by the TTP. This includes promoting moderate voices and providing platforms for dialogue and reconciliation.
The situation in the southern districts of KP is a stark reminder of the complexities and challenges of countering insurgency and restoring state authority. The Gandapur-led provincial government's tenure has, unfortunately, been marked by a failure to effectively address these challenges, allowing the TTP to regain a foothold. Moving forward, a concerted and comprehensive effort is required to reclaim these regions from militant control and restore peace and stability to the southern districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.