A grave security crisis looms for Pakistan as the Taliban, a group it historically nurtured, declares its intent to conquer the nation. Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) leader Noor Wali Mehsud revealed that the Afghan Taliban’s supreme leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, has commanded the complete subjugation of Pakistan. This announcement comes in the wake of a violent clash on the Afghan border, resulting in the deaths of five Pakistani soldiers and heightening fears in Islamabad.
The situation has reversed for Pakistan, which now finds itself confronted by the very jihadist groups it once cultivated. Militant activities are escalating, with Afghan Taliban forces engaging from across the border and TTP operatives actively destabilizing Pakistan from within. Shocking footage has emerged showing Noor Wali Mehsud freely moving within Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, rallying fighters and issuing direct orders for the ‘conquest of Pakistan,’ underscoring the erosion of state authority.
Pakistan’s recent diplomatic efforts in Istanbul to secure cooperation against militant groups were met with rejection. The Afghan Taliban declined to rein in the TTP, instead advising Pakistan to engage in direct negotiations with the terrorist organization. This stance suggests a lack of commitment from Afghanistan to help Pakistan manage the threat it helped create.
Furthermore, the perceived weakness of Pakistan’s military is evident in reports of TTP militants capturing and destroying military equipment, and establishing parallel governance structures in areas like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Compounding these challenges, allegations have surfaced questioning Pakistan’s full control over its nuclear arsenal, citing potential American oversight due to security concerns about the weapons’ safety. Pakistan is now grappling with a multi-faceted existential threat, a consequence of its past policies.