For more than two decades, Pakistan has been fighting a war against terrorism whose price has been paid in blood by its citizens, police personnel and soldiers. Its gravest challenge today is Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which the state calls “Fitna al-Khawarij.” Pakistan’s position is clear: the group is an enemy of its people, strengthened by cross-border sanctuaries on Afghan soil.

Founded in 2007 under Baitullah Mehsud as an umbrella of militant factions, the TTP is now led by Noor Wali Mehsud, its fourth leader. It has repeatedly attacked mosques, markets, schools and security installations. The 2014 Army Public School massacre in Peshawar remains the most painful reminder of this war, prompting national unity under the National Action Plan. Between 2019 and 2020, the TTP absorbed several splinter groups, rebuilding its strength. A 2024 UN assessment estimated its fighters at 6,000 to 6,500.

According to independent think tank PICSS, September 2026 saw 225 militant attacks, the highest monthly total in twelve years, while 112 security personnel were martyred in July. These are not mere numbers; behind every figure stand a mother, a widow and an orphaned child. More than 8,000 police personnel have sacrificed their lives in........

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