After 9/11, the Government of Pakistan launched various full-fledged military opera-tions in Swat and in tribal areas which caused severe damages in terms of lives, prop-erty and psychological trauma. In April 2024, the security forces conducted 73 Intelli-gence-based Operations (IBOs) in North and South Waziristan, Bannu, Tank, DI Khan, Khyber, Bajur and Swat which resulted in 56 terrorists affiliated with TTP be-ing apprehended.
On May 2, 2024, the security forces killed six terrorists in the Aziz Khel area of Mi-ran Shah. On May 5, 2024, security forces eliminated two terrorists in the Aziz Khel Dam, Razmak (North Waziristan). On May 8, 2024, based on an IBO, security forces killed five terrorists involved in extortion and mercenary warfare in the suburbs of DI Khan. On May 12, 2024, an IBO in the Sheikh Badin area of Lakki Marwat led to the killing of three terrorists involved in extortion and target killing, alongside the recov-ery of explosives.
In another IBO in May 2024, security forces neutralized Ghufran, the notorious terror-ist from the Maulvi Baseer Group, in Nasran, Jandola (South Waziristan), known for making IEDs. Towards the end of May 2024, security forces conducted an IBO that resulted in the death of five terrorists in Murad Khel and Nashi Khel villages of Hasan Khel, suburbs of Peshawar. Captain Husaain and Halwaldar Shafiq were martyred in a fierce exchange of fire with the terrorists. Similarly, security forces killed 10 terrorists in Babar Mulla Khel, suburbs of Tank, involved in extortion and other criminal activi-ties. Ehsan Gare was also eliminated in Kari Umar Khan, Tank, during an IBO. At the end of May 2024, terrorists attacked a security post while security personnel were preparing for prayers; security forces retaliated, killing seven terrorists in Adam Khel Area of Tirah, District Khyber. In this operation, five security personnel were mar-tyred.
The month of June 2024 also witnessed significant casualties among security forces in combat with terrorists in various parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. On June 5, 2024, se-curity forces detected the movement of 15 to 20 terrorists in the suburbs of Mir Ali, North Waziristan, killing five terrorists and recovering a substantial amount of mod-ern American ammunition and communication equipment. An explosion caused by terrorists-planted Improvised Explosive Devices resulted in the martyrdom of 26-year-old Captain Faraz Ilyas and his six soldiers in Lakki Marwat. Captain Faraz was due to marry on June 19, 2024. The other martyrs left behind widows and orphans.
It is clear that policing is the primary duty of the police in any society. Expecting po-licing from the defence forces in ordinary times is unjustified. Recently, several sit-ins occurred across the country, including in District Bannu, where some speakers blamed the Army and security intelligence agencies for sponsoring target killings, extortion, and other criminal activities. Such baseless allegations can only be expected from enemies of Pakistan and its people who actively seek to destabilize the country by ad-vancing the agendas of Pakistan’s foreign enemies. These elements are also involved in political maneuvering, ignoring the sacrifices made by security forces daily to re-store peace and eliminate terrorists. They exploit the sentiments of the masses for their own ulterior motives.
It is worth mentioning that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police, compared to police in other provinces, are highly experienced and professional in countering militancy and terrorism, given their province’s frontline role in these efforts alongside handling rou-tine offenses. They are also equipped with sophisticated weapons. However, it has been reported that the police disappear from the scene after evening and avoid man-ning various checkpoints, which poses a serious security threat to ordinary citizens.
Restoration of peace is not solely the responsibility of the police; it requires a holistic approach and the active engagement of the general public to combat criminal activi-ties and terrorism. The armed forces can only participate in such counter-terrorism activities when and where civil administration requests their assistance, as per Consti-tutional provisions. The recent appointment of Regional Police Officer Imran Shahid is expected to be beneficial for peaceful conditions in Bannu Division. He is a profes-sional and experienced police officer renowned for his gallant counter-terrorism op-erations, having previously served as District Police Officer in Bannu. His familiarity with the geography and socio-cultural dynamics of the area positions him well to combat the current wave of terrorism. In summary, the previous large-scale military operations were more disastrous as they led to population displacement and significant social and economic losses. The cur-rent shift to Intelligence-based Operations represents an effective strategic move against terrorism. However, the cooperation of local people and elders in sharing in-formation with security forces is crucial at this juncture; their silence tacitly supports terrorist activities. Police leadership must also work to bridge the trust deficit between the public and law enforcement agencies.
—The writer is Chairman of the Department of Political Science at Islamia College Pe-shawar (amir@icp.edu.pk).
