Heightened Terror Threat in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Government authorities have revealed that over 8,000 militants from Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) are currently operating within Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. These individuals, branded as “Fitna al-Khawarij”, have reportedly infiltrated the region from Afghanistan.

These militants, according to officials, have entered the country through various entry points along the Afghanistan border. Their presence has been noted in areas including Peshawar, Tank, Dera Ismail Khan, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Swat, Shangla, and the newly merged districts.

Officials have reported that the militants have been establishing unauthorized checkpoints on key routes such as the CPEC Road, DI Khan-Bannu Road, and within Tank. They also highlighted the challenge of militants seeking refuge among the local population, making it difficult to counter their attacks on security forces.

This disclosure arrives as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, sharing a border with Afghanistan, and Balochistan are experiencing increased incidents of terrorism.

According to a police report, KP has experienced over 600 terror-related incidents in the initial eight months of 2025. These incidents, numbering 605 until August, resulted in 138 civilian deaths and injuries to 352 others. The report further stated that 79 police officers were killed, and 130 sustained injuries.

In the previous month, 17 civilians lost their lives and 51 were injured, while 13 police officers were killed and 46 sustained injuries across 129 terror-related incidents. Authorities have identified 351 suspects in connection with these incidents, with 32 killed and five apprehended in August alone.

Bannu recorded the highest number of terror incidents with 42 in the preceding month, followed by North Waziristan with 15, South Waziristan with 14, and Dir with 11 incidents.

Government officials emphasized that security forces are facing significant challenges in effectively responding to terrorist attacks, which has resulted in casualties.

Moreover, tribal leaders, during gatherings led by Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, voiced concerns regarding the entry of militants from Afghanistan. These leaders have urged the Chief Minister to address this infiltration issue with the Afghan government.

With an estimated 800 militants present in Bajaur and Khyber districts, security forces have eliminated approximately 80 militants attempting to cross over from Afghanistan in the Bajaur and North Waziristan regions in recent weeks.

KP government spokesperson Muhammad Ali Saif commented on the situation, noting that militants create videos on roads before fleeing. He challenged the militants to confront authorities during daylight hours.

The spokesperson reiterated the government’s commitment to eliminate terrorism and emphasized ongoing intelligence-driven operations across the province.

KP Inspector General of Police (IGP) Zulfiqar Hameed stated that the police are fully aware of the presence and activities of militants in KP. He added that militants have been eliminated in areas such as DI Khan, Lakki Marwat, Bajaur, Khyber, Bannu, and Dir. In August alone, 39 militants were killed, and 110 were arrested during 190 operations.

The police official affirmed that the authorities have taken strict action against “Fitna al-Khawarij” for establishing roadblocks. He further stated that round-the-clock patrols have been initiated on the CPEC Road in coordination with the Motorway Police.