The Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has announced a five-day ceasefire in honor of the Pashtun tribal Jirga, which will take place in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Friday, October 11. The TTP recently expressed its support for the Jirga, showing solidarity with the event.
Emboldened by the Afghan Taliban’s control over Kabul, the TTP has intensified its attacks in the past three years. However, the group declared a temporary halt in its attacks on Pakistani security forces during the Jirga period out of respect for the tribal gathering.
The Pakistani government, however, opposed the Jirga and, in recent weeks, launched security operations against the event’s organizers in the Khyber Valley. Dozens of members from the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) were arrested as a result of these operations.
The TTP’s support for the Pashtun tribal Jirga comes as the Pakistani federal government recently banned the PTM, placing it on a list of prohibited organizations, which has sparked widespread opposition.
Many in Pakistan, including former Senator Afrasiab Khattak, condemned the government’s decision, labelling it a “colonial” move. Khattak argued that this decision would only strengthen the Pashtuns’ resolve in their fight for justice.
The ceasefire announced by the TTP marks a significant moment amidst ongoing tensions between the group and the Pakistani government.
The Jirga remains a critical event for the Pashtun community, drawing national attention to their ongoing struggles. Despite government opposition, the Pashtun movement continues to gain momentum, highlighting the deep-rooted issues of political and social justice in the region.
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