Pakistan’s military is facing significant embarrassment after Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) chief Noor Wali Mehsud appeared in a video, refuting claims of his death. The Pakistani authorities had announced Mehsud’s demise in a Kabul explosion on October 9, but his current emergence proves this assertion false.
Mehsud, speaking from an undisclosed location within Pakistan, has accused the Pakistan Army of conducting a deliberate misinformation operation. He claims the false reports of his death were intended to mislead the public and the international community, painting a misleading picture of Pakistan’s success against terrorism. The TTP leader stated he has visual proof of the group’s substantial control over Pakistani territories.
Since becoming TTP leader in 2018, Noor Wali Mehsud has been instrumental in reorganizing the militant group and uniting disparate factions. This has coincided with a significant escalation of terror attacks, especially in Pakistan’s northwestern areas bordering Afghanistan. The TTP’s renewed assertiveness under his command has targeted both security forces and civilians, echoing past atrocities like the 2014 Peshawar school attack.
This development casts a harsh light on Pakistan’s counter-terrorism efforts and its international reputation. While Pakistan continues to level accusations against India for allegedly backing the TTP, India has consistently denied these allegations. Experts suggest Mehsud’s reappearance highlights the challenges Pakistan faces in managing internal security and raises questions about its role in regional stability.
The TTP leader’s surfacing occurs amid recent clashes between Afghanistan and Pakistan. These border skirmishes were triggered by Pakistani airstrikes on October 9 in Afghanistan, which were reportedly aimed at Mehsud. The Afghan Taliban retaliated with attacks on Pakistani border posts, leading to a series of cross-border military actions, including Pakistani drone strikes in Afghan territory.