Pakistani Taliban Threatens Military’s Commercial Ventures Amid Rising Tensions

TTP Warns of Expanded Attacks on Military-Run Businesses, Heightening Security Concerns in Pakistan

Islamabad [Pakistan], January 8: The Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has issued a stern warning to the Pakistani military, threatening to expand attacks beyond traditional security targets to include military-owned commercial ventures. This shift marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between the militant group and state forces.

In a statement released on Sunday, the TTP explicitly named several military-affiliated businesses as potential targets, including the National Logistics Cell, Frontier Works Organisation, Fauji Fertiliser Company, military housing authorities, and a commercial bank. Civilians have been warned to withdraw investments from these entities within three months, and employees were advised to seek alternative employment.

Escalation Rooted in Cross-Border Strikes

The threat follows recent Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan, targeting alleged TTP hideouts. Pakistan has consistently accused the Afghan Taliban government of sheltering TTP militants, a claim denied by Kabul. The TTP, which shares ideological ties with the Afghan Taliban, has grown increasingly aggressive since the latter took power in Afghanistan in 2021.

Surge in Violence and Rising Fatalities

2023 was one of the deadliest years in nearly a decade, with over 2,500 fatalities, including 700 security personnel, 900 civilians, and 900 militants, according to a report by the Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS). The report also revealed that nearly 1,000 security personnel were killed in TTP-related attacks last year alone.

Political Instability Fuelling Militancy

Analysts suggest that political divisions in Pakistan are exacerbating the situation. Qamar Cheema, an international affairs expert, noted that opposition party PTI’s campaigns against military-affiliated businesses have added fuel to the fire. Following the imprisonment of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, PTI supporters launched boycotts against military-run ventures on social media.

Security expert Abdul Sayed described the TTP’s latest threats as a “significant policy shift” under leader Mufti Noor Wali Mehsud, suggesting that recent airstrikes in Afghanistan’s Bermal district may have pressured internal hardliners to escalate operations.

Military’s Economic Contributions Defended

In a previous press conference, ISPR chief General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry defended the military’s economic role, stating contributions of over 100 billion PKR (USD 359 million) to the national budget and an additional 260 billion PKR (USD 934 million) in taxes from military-run organizations.

Concerns Over Future Violence

Analysts warn that the TTP’s expanded target list could trigger widespread urban violence and further destabilize the fragile political environment. Imtiaz Gul, Executive Director of CRSS, believes the TTP aims to pressure the military into halting cross-border strikes in Afghanistan.

As tensions escalate and political instability continues, Pakistan faces an unprecedented security challenge, with both militant threats and internal divisions threatening national stability.