The Pakistan Army announced it had apprehended a group of fighters from Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) as they attempted to cross into Pakistan from Afghanistan.
In a statement, the military reiterated its demands for the Taliban to ensure effective border management and to prevent Afghan territory from being used for terrorist activities against Pakistan.
Pakistan’s National Counter-Terrorism Authority has warned that TTP militants entered Pakistan from Afghanistan last week and may be planning attacks on a rally organized by supporters of Imran Khan, the former prime minister and leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, in Islamabad.
The warning comes as Pakistan faces mounting unrest, including deadly attacks on civilians in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, sectarian violence, and widespread protests by Khan’s followers.
Border clashes and calls for Taliban action
The Pakistan Army reported that during a recent border skirmish, one TTP fighter was killed and several others were detained. The military urged the Taliban to honor their commitments and prevent Afghan soil from being used for militant operations targeting Pakistan.
Despite Islamabad’s repeated calls for action, analysts suggest that the TTP’s freedom to operate under Taliban rule has fueled its resurgence in Afghanistan.
The Taliban have not responded to Pakistan’s latest statement or the counter-terrorism agency’s warning. The group has consistently denied that TTP fighters are present or active within Afghanistan.
“The Taliban deny the presence, activities, or threats posed by the TTP in Afghanistan, but Pakistan continues to argue that its instability stems from across the border,” said Bismillah Taban, a military analyst. “This TTP issue is one of the main reasons for the strained relations between Pakistan and the Taliban, who were once close allies.”
Tensions have escalated as Islamabad prepares for large-scale protests on Sunday by Khan’s supporters. Authorities have imposed strict security measures in the capital, restricting movement in many areas.
The counter-terrorism agency emphasized that the risk of terrorist attacks targeting the protests remains high, citing intelligence that TTP fighters crossed into Pakistan on Tuesday and Wednesday and may target the PTI rally.
