Internal Rifts and Tensions Within TTP: Monthly Insight 01-28 February, 2025
In February 2025, Pakistan witnessed a significant surge in militant violence, with 79 attacks recorded across the country. These incidents resulted in a total of 122 fatalities, including 55 civilians, 41 security forces personnel, and 26 militants. Additionally, 130 individuals sustained injuries, comprising 78 security personnel and 43 civilians. In response to these attacks, security forces conducted operations that led to the deaths of 136 individuals, including 130 militants and six security personnel, while 16 others were injured, including 11 militants, three security personnel, and two civilians. Compared to January 2025, the data reveals a troubling escalation in violence, with a 34 percent increase in the death toll and a 175 percent surge in civilian fatalities.
Significant developments of the month included the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) announcing detailed leadership appointments across various districts and sub-districts within its self-proclaimed Wilayats. This move reflected an effort to project itself as a well- established and structured force. TTP also released an extensive batch of images showcasing the training, combat readiness, and weaponry of its elite Special Istishhadi Force (SIF), indicating a significant upgrade in militant gear and weapons. The group faced internal tensions, particularly between Jamaat-ul-Ahrar (JuA) loyalists and TTP’s central leadership, highlighted by the abduction and killing of trader leader Sher Muhammad in Khyber Tribal District. The reemergence of Ghazi Media Network (GMN), a militant propaganda platform associated with JuA, signaled renewed internal discord within TTP. Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) remained active in its propaganda efforts, releasing videos, statements, and infographics aimed at reinforcing its ideological position and undermining the Taliban’s rule. Both the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF) intensified their propaganda efforts, focusing on showcasing militant attacks, glorifying fighters, and issuing statements against Pakistani security forces and infrastructure projects.
In terms of military exercises, Pakistan conducted several high-profile drills with key partners. The AMAN 2025 Naval Exercise involved over 60 countries and aimed at strengthening maritime cooperation, counter-piracy operations, and regional stability. The Ataturk-XIII Joint Counter-Terrorism Drill with Turkey focused on special operations tactics, close-quarters combat, hostage rescue missions, and mountain warfare techniques. The Al- Samsaam VII Military Exercise with Saudi Arabia aimed at enhancing combat readiness and tactical coordination between the two armies, with a focus on counter-terrorism operations and urban warfare scenarios. The Sea Guardians-III Exercise with China involved advanced maritime operations, including anti-submarine warfare, missile deployment strategies, and electronic warfare training.
Politically, February 2025 saw Pakistan reaffirm its support for Kashmiris’ right to self- determination on Kashmir Solidarity Day. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned India’s policies in Jammu and Kashmir and called for meaningful negotiations. Army Chief General Asim Munir also visited Muzaffarabad and reitirated resolve to repulse any agression by India. Pakistan also accused India of planting IEDs inside Azad Kashmir. Both sides exchanged fire along LoC but later through a flag meeting resolved the tension, albeit for the time being.
A coalition of opposition parties called for immediate general elections, labeling the current government as “unrepresentative” and criticizing its alleged authoritarian measures. The opposition also questioned the legitimacy of the Chief Election Commissioner’s tenure extension, arguing that the current Election Commission lacks impartiality.
In foreign relations, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan visited Pakistan, resulting in the signing of 24 agreements encompassing defense, energy, and trade sectors. Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan visited Pakistan, leading to the signing of five accords aimed at enhancing cooperation in various domains. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visits to Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan resulted in the signing of multiple MoUs and agreements designed to boost bilateral cooperation in trade, energy, tourism, and education. Admiral Mohammad Nazmul Hassan, Chief of the Naval Staff of Bangladesh, visited Pakistan, highlighting improved bilateral defense ties and maritime security cooperation.
Economically, Pakistan and China agreed to boost cooperation on several key projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), including the upgrade of Pakistan’s railway network and further development of Gwadar port.
In conclusion, February 2025 was marked by a significant increase in militant violence, particularly in Balochistan and erstwhile FATA, and internal tensions within militant groups like TTP. Politically, the month saw escalating demands for fresh elections and concerns over electoral legitimacy. On the foreign front, Pakistan engaged in high-level diplomatic activities, strengthening ties with Turkey, UAE, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, and China. Additionally, Pakistan conducted several military exercises with key partners, highlighting its commitment to regional security cooperation and counter-terrorism efforts. These developments underscore the complex and evolving security, political, and economic landscape in Pakistan.
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During the week of March 7–13, 2025, Pakistan witnessed a slight decrease in militant attacks, though the intensity of violence remained unchanged. A total of 15 militant attacks were recorded, compared to 19 in the previous week. However, the week gained significant attention due to the hijacking of the Jaffar Express by the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), a high-profile incident that unfolded over three days. The attack resulted in the tragic killing of 21 hostages — later revealed by PICSS to be off-duty security personnel traveling home — and four security forces personnel. Despite a phased rescue operation that eliminated 33 militants, the incident highlighted serious security and intelligence failures.Regionally, Balochistan saw a sharp 80% surge in militant activity, reporting nine attacks compared to five the previous week. In contrast, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) experienced a 50% drop, with three attacks, while erstwhile FATA recorded a 25% decrease, reporting three incidents. The week’s militant tactics included five targeted killings, five tactical assaults, two grenade attacks, and one each of an IED explosion, a combined suicide attack and tactical assault, and a kidnapping.Security forces carried out four counter-terrorism operations, resulting in the elimination of 12 alleged militants and the arrest of 10 […]
