The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has issued a stark warning, shifting its focus from regional towns to Pakistan’s most prominent urban centers. Militants have declared their upcoming operations will target Lahore, Islamabad, and Karachi, signaling a significant escalation in their conflict with the Pakistani state. This strategic move is presented as a direct response to the alleged ‘unlawful expulsion’ of Afghan Pashtun communities, with the TTP demanding accountability from those within Pakistan’s governance structures.
The TTP’s declaration arrives amidst heightened tensions and strong rhetoric from Pakistan’s military. The army spokesperson, Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif, has characterized cross-border attacks from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as provocations that could ignite a full-scale war. He emphasized that any aggression against Pakistan would be met with a decisive military response, cautioning against any underestimation of the army’s resolve.
However, evidence suggests the TTP remains undeterred by these warnings. Their recent activities indicate a readiness for sustained conflict. Concurrently, the group announced its withdrawal from the Tirah Valley following discussions with local elders. This decision, communicated via international media, is framed as an effort to protect civilians from collateral damage during anticipated military operations.
Tirah Valley has previously been a flashpoint for intense military campaigns, including an incident in 2025 that reportedly resulted in civilian fatalities. The TTP asserts its departure from the valley is intended to remove any justification for the Pakistani army to harm the local Pashtun population. Adding to the escalating provocations, a recent video showed a militant desecrating images of Pakistan’s founding figures, an act interpreted as a direct challenge to Islamabad and the military establishment.