A media report has revealed that the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and its affiliate Jamaat-ul-Ahraar (JuA) have prepared a new hit list, targeting senior political leaders, top military and intelligence officials, and other government officials. The list includes Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah and PML-N party vice president Maryam Nawaz. This development comes just a day after a suicide bombing targeted Jamaat-i-Islami chief Sirajul Haq in Balochistan province.
The TTP and JuA are reportedly planning a series of attacks not only on senior politicians but also on the armed forces and law enforcement agencies’ check-posts. According to media reports, a terror group, including two suicide bombers, has entered Punjab under the supervision of JuA leader Rafiullah. The report also mentions that TTP commander Sarbakaf Mohmand expressed support for the countrywide riots that occurred on May 9 after the arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party chief Imran Khan. He announced his backing for the rioters, praising their actions. The rise in terrorism incidents in Pakistan has prompted security forces to intensify their operations against terrorists.
A recent report by the Centre for Research and Security Studies indicates that in the first quarter of 2023, more than 850 people were killed or injured in militant attacks and counterterrorism operations. This figure is half the total number of casualties recorded in 2022. The report highlights that January 2023 was the deadliest month for security forces in over a decade. It also reveals that the TTP carried out at least 22 attacks during the January-March period, resulting in 107 deaths. The security situation in Pakistan remains a grave concern, with the TTP and JuA actively planning and executing attacks. Authorities are likely to increase efforts to counter these threats and safeguard the country’s leaders and institutions.