By Asim Yasin in the News, Dec 9, 2022
ISLAMABAD: …….. The National Counter Terrorism Authority in Islamabad informed the ( Senate Standing) Committee on Interior on Thursday that the US withdrawal had boosted TTP activities with its base in Afghanistan still intact and that the terrorism index had risen.
The Senate Committee on the Interior was briefed that during the peace talks process, the TTP gained considerable ground and increased its footprint and magnitude of activities.
It was also noted that strong public opposition to returning to Swat is a positive development.
The committee was briefed that the locals, especially the political leadership active against the militants, needed to be supported and protected through the institutional mechanism.
It was briefed that the traditional routes of the militants have also been tracked and cleared, and 18 extra police forces are being deployed.
The committee was briefed that Peace Jeep rallies also patrolled in the area; these steps have increased the flow of tourists.
The committee was also informed that militants have been dispersed as a result of the joint operation of SFS and LEAs. Any morphing in the local population in adjoining areas needs to be monitored; furthermore, the presence of militants signifies resident facilitation in the area, which needs to be countered through the collective efforts of security apparatus.
It was also discussed that owing to winters and a lack of support structures and logistics, militants are likely to move from mountainous regions.
The committee advised that further discussion on specific areas in terms of security should be discussed during in-camera sessions…….
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1018310-us-withdrawal-boosted-ttp-activities-in-pakistan
