Pakistan believes Taliban supports TTP

Earlier the Afghan Taliban was just an extension of Pakistan and ISI with the Pakistani Army having complete control over them whereas there is no such leverage there now.

A report from the Pakistani newspaper Dawn claims that the Pakistani establishment has understood it well that the Afghan Taliban is helping Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The newspaper cites an analytical study done by an American government think-tank which claims that the Afghan Taliban is not fully cooperating with Pakistan in its action against TTP. However, ever since Americans ran away from Afghanistan, Pakistani establishment have been claiming that Taliban is with them.

Questioning the belief that the Pakistani establishment has had regarding the Afghan Taliban, Dawn reiterates that it's better they realize the truth and should not harbour the illusion. As the study from the US Institute of Peace makes it clear, Afghanistan's ruling Taliban is unlikely to discontinue supporting TTP which is causing havoc in Pakistan.

'Un-Islamic' Pakistan and Taliban

The report talks about the stand that Taliban has taken vis-à-vis Pakistan over the years. Whereas earlier the Afghan Taliban was just an extension of Pakistan and ISI with the Pakistani Army having complete control over them, there is no such leverage there now. In fact, soon after taking over Afghanistan, Taliban started sending a strong message to Pakistan that it is no longer their men.

At the same time, even Taliban leadership is divided over Pakistan. One group of Haqqani is though in favour a softer line towards Pakistan, the one that is being headed by Taliban supremo Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada is of the view that since Pakistan itself is 'un-Islamic', there is not much 'common', instead TTP is much closer to Taliban for him. Needless to say, the dichotomy would remain for some time, especially till the leadership issue is not settled in Afghan Taliban.

Can Pak act tough against TTP or Afghan Taliban?

Just when we are writing this story, there are reports from Karachi that their Police HQ has been attacked by armed militants. With this and the suicide attack on Peshawar Police HQ earlier, it is clear that Pakistan's forces continue to come under TTP attacks. However, Pakistan is unable to act tough against them.

There could be various reasons behind the inactivity but the major reason seems to be the economic troubles that Pakistan is going through. Pakistan had earlier launched an offensive, Operation Zarb-e-Azb, against various militant groups including TTP, but now it seems to be tolerating all the violence. This definitely shows weakness and helplessness.

Moreover, now even the Afghan Taliban does not listen to the Pakistani establishment. Therefore, Pakistan is not in a position to even ask the Taliban to rein in the TTP.