This wave of violence has triggered a moment of soul-searching in Pakistan, reminiscent of the country’s experiences with the Pakistani Taliban over a decade ago. The Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), seeking to overthrow the country’s establishment and establish a conservative Islamic legal and political system, akin to the current regime in Afghanistan, is once again making its presence felt. The TTP, operating distinctly from the Afghan Taliban, had previously imposed sharia law in isolated areas and carried out deadly bombings.
The recent escalation of militant attacks in Pakistan has shocked the public, bringing back memories of the group’s earlier insurgency. The northwestern part of the country, in particular, fears a resurgence of violence and instability. During the first half of the current year, militant attacks in Pakistan increased by 80 percent, with the TTP suspected of being responsible for the majority of them, according to the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies.
