Considering the intense current wave of terrorism which apparantly has spread across Pakistan, the government and security forces of Pakistan is taking solid counter measures. Security forces initiated counter terrorism operations across Pakistan. In the recent development, there are 13 suspects who have been arrested under combing operations across Pakistan. In the targeted operations conducted recently, there are 628 people undergoing through biometric verification. In these operations, 1906 suspects were interrogated. There are nine cases registered against the arrested persons which will be  further investigated by the concern department. Earlier, one suspect from Lahore and two networks of Tahreek Taliban Pakistan arrested from Multan. So far, there are more than 21 thousand people were checked in 504 combing operations across Pakistan. In the joint operations, more than 67 people were also recovered by the counter Terrorism Department of Pakistan.  The Counter-Terrorism Department of Punjab alone carried out multiple operations against suspects in various parts of Punjab. CTD Punjab has arrested 26x suspects and recovered multiple weapons and ammunition.The operations were conducted in Multan,  Lahore, Sheikhupura, Syedwala Nankana, Mandi Bahauddin,  Gujranwala,  Vehari, DG Khan.

The current surge and scope of terrorism has apparently lead to more inter terrorism competition as well due to which the pace of militancy has increased notably. The reason appears to be the aim of getting more attention, recognition and funds. For interest after the surge in terrorism, there are some old militant groups re-emerging in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. In the latest development, group named Fursan-i-Mohammed started their operation in the tribal belt of Pakistan. The group has close ties with Al Qaida and Tahreek Taliban Pakistan. The current spokesperson is Nusrat Ullah Waziristani & the current leader is unknown, primarily operating in North Waziristan. In 2010, Ibrahim, chief of such group killed in a drone strike in North Wazristan. This group has claimed the attacks on 3rd Jan 2023 & 15th Aug 2022. Also it was reported that Pakistani Taliban (TTP) announced first graduation ceremony of its “Manba-ul-Uloom” seminary held on 10-January in which 31 students graduated including 17 specialised in advanced religious studies & 6000 students studying in 80 seminaries and schools under the TTP education ministry.

Moreover In a detailed document, the separatist group of Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), claimed it had conducted 188 attacks in Balochistan in 2022, including three suicide attacks. The group asserted these attacks had killed 364 personnel of the armed forces and injured 155.

Some major incidents or militancy and counter militancy since previous week is listed as below.

·        On 10^th January,  Unknown men opened fire upon a private vehicle carrying two persons near Jhal Pul area in Faisalabad district of Punjab province, As a result of the attack, both died on spot. One of the Victim is identified as Naveed Mukhtar Ghumman who was former president of Faisalabad bar. Police initiated the investigation considering all dimensions.

·        On 10^th January, Unknown persons  destroyed a telecommunication tower belonging to Ufone in Sanni area of Bolan (Sibi), Balochistan. Such destruction of telecom towers have been reported and conducted earlier by groups like BLA to exhibit their anti-state sentiments.

·        On 10^th January, BLF militants lobbed a grenade at Police Station Panjgur Balochistan. Fortunately no casualty was reported as the thrown grenade landed near to ATF vehicle parked outside of the station & exploded.

·        On 10^th January, a Major of Pakistan Army was attacked and injured by firing of unknown men. The incident happened at Askari 14 area of Rawalpindi. The Officer is identified as Major Farhan. Rumours are that he belonged to Millitary Intelligence (MI). As per details, the attackers were two in number on a motorcycle who fled away after firing. Major Farhan Mustafa was travelling in his car. Major Farhan has been shifted to CMH Rawalpindi and an FIR against unknown men has been launched at Morgah Police Station (Rawalpindi).

·        On 11^th January, 3 terrorists (Adnan, Shahzad and Yasir) were arrested from Etihad Town (Karachi) in an encounter with the police. The arrested terrorist belong to the banned Baloch Liberation Front. The main character of the gang is absconding abroad.

·        On 11^th January, Pakistan Security Forces in alliance with Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) carried out a Joint Intelligence-Based Operation (JIBO) in Abshar Colony Peshawar. During the operation, 4x terrorists were tracked and eliminated. Ammunition and weapons recovered. However, during the operation, one CTD official sustained injuries. Operation was conducted successfully by KPK Police and CTD.

·        On 12^th January, The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) arrested two terrorists [Ehsan and Osama] of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban (TTP) from Multan from whose possession explosives, arms and hand grenades were recovered.The two are being investigated in relation to recent incidents. After the arrest of the accused, combing operations have been intensified in different areas of Punjab, in which 13 suspects have been arrested so far.

·        On 13^th January, armed terrorists ambushed the Sarband police station in Peshawar with hand grenades and sniper guns, killing DSP Badaber Sardar Hussain and his two guards. Atleast 12 police personnel were present at the police station when six to eight terrorists attacked it, According to SSP Operations, five grenades were lobbed into the premises of Sarband police station, of which four were neutralised while one blew up. After the terror incident was reported, police contingents gathered on the scene and the whole area was cordoned off.

·        On 14^th January, The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) carried out an operation in Sarband, Peshawar. During the operation, 2 militants were eliminated. The militants were facilitators of those responsible for attacking a police station on previous night. Militants are Identified as Minhaj (r/o Bera Khyber) and Mansoor (r/o Mohamand area). The operation was carried out in Shinwari fort area, close to the Sarband police station.

·        On 14^th January, police post has come under attack by TTP militants in Taunsa area of DG Khan District, Punjab. Two including a policeman were gunned down and died on the spot while one policeman was critically injured. Police has reported that There were around 9 attackers. Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), in a statement, has claimed responsibility for its first firing raid attack in punjab province since its recent announcement of expanding attacks across Pakistan. 2 Kalashnikovs, a G-3, 2 uniforms & 5 magazines were recovered from the militants and seized by the security forces.

·        On 14^th January, armed men opened fire on a police check post at Darbi area of district Bolan. Resultantly one policeman identified with the name pf Maqbool Abro got seriously injured and was initially taken to CMH Sibbi and later moved to CMH Quetta. Police has started immediate search operation in the surrounding area.

·        On 14^th January, Pakistan Security Forces carried out an operation in North Waziristan. During the operation, 3 terrorists belonging to TTP were eliminated. Weapons and ammunition recovered. However, during the exchange of fire, own one troop sustained injuries. Items Recovered includes 1. M4-Rifle, 2. Kalashnikovs (2x), 3. Explosive materials, 4. Afghan Currency.

·        On 17^th January, in an operation in Dera Ismail Khan, 2 terrorists were Apprehended and 2 were Killed by the LEA. As per details, Security Forces were heading to raid house of a terrorist. During that, outside the village Security Forces tried to stop 3 suspicious persons. 2  Apprehended on spot while one Terrorist (Inam) got hit in Exchange of fire. Meanwhile during the house search Forces again received fire from nearby bushes. In retaliatory fire 1  Unknown terrorist got killed. Arms and ammunition were recovered by the LEA. Both terrorists’ bodies were handed over to local police.

·        On 17^th  January, An Intelligence Based Operation (IBO) was initiated to clear a hideout of Terrorists, linked with firing incidents on Security Forces and civilians besides planting of Improvised Explosive Devices on M-8, in general area Talsar, Hoshab. As a result of continuous intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) of the area, a location of the Terrorists was identified and security forces were heli inserted. While the establishment of blocking positions to cut the escape routes was underway, 4 Terrorists opened fire onto the Security Forces. During ensuing heavy exchange of fire, all four Terrorists have been killed, while a cache of arms and ammunition including Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) has been recovered.

·        On 18^th January, the  Takwara police post in Kulachi, Dera Ismail Khan District came under fire from militants after mid night , which was equally responded by the cops. There is minimum damage reported to the police post and no loss of life from both sides.

·        On 18^th January, In a terrorist activity from across Pakistan-Iran border in Chukab Sector, District Panjgur, Balochistan, 4 security forces personnel have embraced martyrdom. Terrorists used Iranian soil to target a convoy of security forces patrolling along the border. Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF) in a statement has claimed the attack. Iranian side has been asked to hunt down the terrorists on their side

Analysis

In the wake of resurgence in militancy coupled with political deadlock and deteriorating economy, Pakistan is in dire straits and need immediate attention through a process of national dialogue. Plus In order to be effective and for timely combating the aggression of rival forces, armed forces need timely information and early warning of the designs of rivals including the terror network. Alongside the armed forces of Pakistan, intelligence agencies specially ISI need to play a decisive role to counter and finally defeat the regional and international conspiracies against Pakistan which seems to be regrouping and reforming, while taking advantage of political and economic instability in Pakistan alongside economic dreadfulness.

Moreover, the counter terrorism policy must address these changing patterns of terrorist organizations with a pro-active framework to control the rapid resurgence of terrorism.