The following information was laid out by National Counter-Terrorism Authority (NACTA) to the Senate Standing Committee on Interior:
- The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf’s (PTI) strategy for engaging in discussion with the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has failed and, on the contrary, encouraged TTP terrorist activity in Pakistan.
- With TTP’s base still intact in Afghanistan, the US military withdrawal from Afghanistan “provided impetus to TTP activities.”
- TTP’s resurgence in Swat and surrounding areas “can be attributed to their efforts to gain pulse of locals and response by the state.” The division of Malakand was described as “susceptible” to terrorism because of its “central location and access to inhabited regions” in the study.
- Although there has been a drastic increase in terrorist activities, strong opposition to the terror group from all social groups can be termed as a positive development.
- Locals have requested protection for their communities, particularly for the political leadership involved in the conflict with the militants.
- With the onset of weather, it is likely that TTP fighters may leave their present location and merge in with the local population hence all militant activities should be closely monitored.
- NACTA also recommended in-camera discussions concerning security-related matters, peaceful rallies and promoting tourism.
- Finally, the Committee on Interior approved the Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill, 2022 to address the rise in incidents of child sexual exploitation and cybercrime in light of Pakistan’s constitutional obligations and international commitments.
For more info: https://www.dawn.com/news/1725422/ttp-used-peace-talks-to-swell-its-ranks-nacta
