Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan’s (TTP) Threat Spectrum: Assessing Pakistan’s Counter-Terrorism Policy in Post-US Withdrawal Era

Abstract

The Afghan Taliban administration has precipitated a substantial shift in regional politics due to the power vacuum left in the wake of the US withdrawal. After the Taliban takeover, Afghanistan has witnessed immense economic challenges, political crises, and security challenges in Afghanistan. Consequently, the chaotic situation in Kabul generated a substantial threat to Pakistan’s security. The main purpose of this research is to investigate the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) threat spectrum for Pakistan and its Counter-Terrorism Policy in the post-US withdrawal era. This study adopted a purely qualitative method and collected primary data from the relevant experts through semi-structured interviews. Moreover, it comprehensively discusses and analyses Pakistan’s rising security concerns due to the reactivation of TTP in the post-US withdrawal period. The results expose that Pakistan faces various security challenges from Afghan soil in the post-US withdrawal. Unstable Afghanistan and TTP’s reactive mod on the Taliban conquering return some indispensable challenges for Pakistan’s security and stability. Finally, the findings of the study suggest that fostering cordial relations with the Afghan Taliban administration and proactive countering terrorism policies are crucial for Islamabad to preserve its security interests, particularly countering TTP’s threat. Afghanistan and Pakistan should adopt a collaborative approach and prioritize cooperation and mutual trust for eliminating the transborder terrorism to achieve. These practical measures will not only contribute to reducing radicalism, terrorism, and sectarianism but also achieve peace and prosperity on both sides.