TTP Militants Seen Patrolling D.I. Khan to Islamabad Motorway in Broad Daylight

In a shocking and alarming development, alleged members of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) were seen patrolling the Dera Ismail Khan to Islamabad Motorway in broad daylight, raising serious concerns about the deteriorating security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Pakistan’s ability to curb militancy. This bold display by the militant group has sent shockwaves across the country, with political analysts and citizens questioning the government’s control over law and order—particularly in the constituency of Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur.

Bold Display of Power by TTP

Eyewitnesses and video footage that surfaced online showed armed individuals dressed in traditional tribal attire, reportedly TTP members, moving freely on a public highway near Dera Ismail Khan. According to local sources, the convoy consisted of multiple vehicles, including pickup trucks, some with mounted weapons. The militants did not attempt to hide their identity and reportedly told bystanders not to be afraid.

The incident took place in daylight hours, making it a brazen challenge to state authority. While the authenticity of the footage is still being verified by authorities, the growing trend of similar sightings has left the public shaken.

No Official Response Yet

As of the time of this report, there has been no official statement from either the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provincial government or the federal interior ministry. The silence from law enforcement agencies has further fueled speculation about the extent of state control in tribal and adjacent regions.

This development is particularly damning for the KP government, as D.I. Khan is considered the political stronghold of CM Ali Amin Gandapur, a senior leader of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). The inability of the provincial administration to prevent or even address such a public show of strength by militants in their backyard has raised critical concerns.

Security Vacuum in Southern KP

Security analysts point out that southern KP—especially areas like D.I. Khan, Tank, and Lakki Marwat—has seen a resurgence in militant activity over the past two years. The region, which borders South Waziristan, has historically served as a strategic base for TTP and other militant groups.

Despite repeated claims of successful military operations, there appears to be a widening security vacuum. Recent months have seen an uptick in targeted killings, IED attacks, and kidnappings, many of which remain unresolved.

Political Fallout and Public Outcry

Opposition parties have condemned the incident and are calling for a high-level investigation. Leaders from the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) have criticized the PTI-led KP government for its apparent failure to ensure the safety of its citizens.

Civil society groups, journalists, and human rights activists have also expressed alarm. Social media platforms were flooded with reactions, with hashtags such as #TTPReturn and #FailedState trending in Pakistan.

Public perception is turning increasingly negative, especially among residents of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa who feel abandoned and vulnerable.

Historical Context: TTP’s Re-Emergence

The TTP was largely pushed into Afghanistan following the Pakistan military’s Operation Zarb-e-Azb in 2014. However, since the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021, there has been a gradual resurgence of the group within Pakistan.

Security officials have repeatedly warned about the threat posed by TTP’s reactivation, especially after failed peace talks in late 2022. Since then, TTP has claimed responsibility for multiple deadly attacks across KP and Balochistan.

Challenges Ahead for the Government

This incident highlights the urgent need for a revised and robust national counterterrorism strategy. Analysts believe that Pakistan’s current approach—centered on sporadic military operations and limited police engagement—is no longer sufficient.

There is growing pressure on both the provincial and federal governments to secure highways, increase intelligence-based operations, and re-engage with communities vulnerable to militant influence.

What Happens Next?

If left unaddressed, this bold patrolling by militants could inspire similar actions by other extremist groups. Experts warn that failure to assert state control in such regions could lead to a domino effect, encouraging more open defiance of law enforcement by armed groups.

The government must act swiftly—not just with force, but also with policy reforms, intelligence coordination, and community involvement—to restore confidence and ensure long-term stability.

Call for Action

Political parties, civil society, and analysts are calling for urgent government action to address the security vacuum. Failure to do so, they warn, could embolden militants further and jeopardize public safety nationwide.