Insurgency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Insurgency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Since 2004, a serious conflict has been happening in the Pakistani province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. This fight involves many militant groups, such as the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan and others.

The conflict started when the Pakistan Army looked for members of Al-Qaeda in the mountains of Waziristan. This led to big fights because many people in the area did not agree with the army.

At first, this was called a war, but it later changed into an insurgency. In 2007, the army took control of a place called Lal Masjid in Islamabad. After that, the militant groups began more attacks across Pakistan.

Over time, the Pakistani military did many operations to stop these groups. One big operation, called Operation Zarb-e-Azb, pushed most of the fighters into Afghanistan. Since then, the fight has continued in secret ways.

In 2017, Pakistan started building fences along its border with Afghanistan and set up many military bases. In 2018, a part of the country called FATA was joined with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. After the city of Kabul fell in August 2021, the militant groups grew stronger again, using Afghanistan as a base for more attacks on Pakistan. Experts say Pakistan has been greatly affected by these changes.

Background

Main articles: War in North-West Pakistan order of battle and South Waziristan District

After a big battle in 2002, Pakistan's army sent soldiers to areas near the border. Some local leaders did not like this. For the first time since 1947, soldiers went into places like the Tirah Valley and North Waziristan.

As more soldiers came, some local tribes felt treated unfairly. In late 2003, there were even attempts on the life of the country's leader, Pervez Musharraf. The army kept trying to control the area, but it was difficult. By early 2005, the government decided to try talking instead of fighting.

Outbreak of fighting

Further information: Operation al-Mizan, Battle of Wanna, and 2004 in Pakistan

In March 2004, a big battle happened in the mountains of South Waziristan between the Pakistan Army and foreign fighters from Al-Qaeda. The army thought they might have surrounded an important leader but did not catch him. After a week, the army captured the area and arrested many fighters.

More army troops were sent to stop people from crossing the border into Pakistan. Soldiers found hidden caves and tunnels. Some of these tunnels might have led to Afghanistan. Later in 2004, a new leader was appointed to help manage the army’s efforts in the area.

Peace agreements

In April 2004, Pakistan signed a peace agreement with some fighters in South Waziristan, but it did not last long. Another agreement in February 2005 brought some calm, but fighting continued. By 2007, the violence grew, and the army realized that their strategy was not working well.

Conflict in the tribal areas (2005-2006)

Further information: 2005 in Pakistan and 2006 in Pakistan

In 2005, special forces from Pakistan tried to capture an important leader of a group called Al-Qaeda near the town of Mardan.

In 2006, the United States carried out an airstrike in a village near the border with Afghanistan. The strike was aimed at a leader but instead caused the deaths of many people.

Ceasefire

In 2006, militants in North Waziristan claimed to have shot down a military helicopter. The same day, militants attacked and killed some police officers.

Waziristan peace accord

Further information: Waziristan Accord

Later in 2006, a peace agreement was signed between tribal leaders, militants, and the Pakistani government to stop fighting. The agreement promised help rebuilding infrastructure.

2006 Madrassah air strike

Main articles: Chenagai airstrike and 2006 Dargai bombing

In October 2006, the United States carried out another airstrike targeting a school in the Bajaur region. This attack caused many deaths among students. In response, militants tried to attack a security base but failed.

Insurgency in the north, 2007

Further information: 2007 in Pakistan, Terrorist incidents in Pakistan in 2007, and Timeline of the insurgency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (2007)

In 2007, the northern region had a growing fight against some militant groups. President Musharraf faced pressure from these groups. In March, his government made a peace agreement with a main militant leader in Bajaur. Militant groups controlled three districts in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas: South Waziristan, North Waziristan, and Bajaur Agency.

Waziri–Uzbek tensions

Main articles: East Turkestan Islamic Movement and Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan

In South Waziristan, fighters from Uzbekistan became more active. These fighters included former soldiers. In 2007, fights happened between these Uzbek fighters and local militant groups.

Defeat of the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan

Main article: Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan

In 2007, reports showed why the Uzbek fighters were strong in the area. Local people were afraid to fight them. Local tribesmen fought back, and in March 2007, heavy fighting happened. Many people were hurt on both sides.

Lal Masjid siege and truce broken

Main articles: Siege of Lal Masjid, Waziristan Accord, and July 2007 Pakistan bombings

In July 2007, a serious fight happened near Lal Masjid in Islamabad. Students from the mosque clashed with police, leading to a siege. This event caused more fights between militant groups and the army. Attacks happened, and many people were hurt.

Operation Rah-e-Haq

Main article: First Battle of Swat

By late 2007, heavy fighting happened in Swat district between government forces and militants. The military sent troops to fight back, and they took back control of Swat. However, militants returned later.

2007 Rawalpindi bombings and state of emergency

Main articles: September 2007 bombings in Rawalpindi and 2007 Pakistani state of emergency

In September 2007, two bombings happened in Rawalpindi, targeting military buses. Many people were hurt, including soldiers and civilians. Later in November, another bombing happened. These events led to President Musharraf declaring a state of emergency in November 2007.

2008 general election

Main articles: Assassination of Benazir Bhutto and 2008 Pakistani general election

On December 27, 2007, former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto was killed after leaving a political rally in Rawalpindi. Her death led to widespread trouble across the country. Different groups blamed each other for the attack.

Escalation of the conflict and Pakistan's military response

Further information: 2008 in Pakistan

In January 2008, foreign fighters took control of two forts in South Waziristan, which had been held by the Pakistan Army. After elections in 2008, the army was weaker under President Musharraf. On 25 February 2008, a bombing in Rawalpindi killed a top military leader, two soldiers, and five civilians.

Musharraf was replaced by General Ishfaq Pervez Kiani as chief of army staff. Later, Prime minister Yousaf Raza Gillani removed Musharraf from the presidency. The new government made important decisions about the armed forces, including appointing new leaders.

The new military leader, General Tariq Majid, created a plan to fight the insurgency. The plan was approved by Prime minister Yousaf Raza Gillani. The military began several campaigns in North-West to push back militants. By 2016, most of the lost areas had been recaptured.

Operation Zalzala

Main article: Operation Zalzala

After changes in leadership, a military operation called Zalzala was started in January. The goal was to remove fighters from an area that had been safe for militants. The operation was successful, and the armed forces took control of the area. Many militants were killed, and the army captured more villages and towns.

However, many people were forced to leave their homes. About 200,000 men, women, and children were displaced.

Bajaur offensive

Main article: Battle of Bajaur

In February 2008, a truce was agreed to, but fighting continued. In June, militants took over a town, and some pro-government fighters were captured and killed. In June, the army started an offensive against militants in Khyber. One militant was killed, and two soldiers died. The operation stopped in July. In July, clashes left many pro-government fighters dead or captured.

In July, heavy fighting with another group left many dead. In August, fighting began in Bajaur District. After four days, the military withdrew. Many militants and soldiers were killed, and some soldiers were missing. In Buner area, militants killed policemen. The town of Khar was besieged.

In August, attackers struck a laboratory, killing many people.

Tensions between tribal militias and the Pakistani Taliban

As the military withdrew, tribal leaders organized a private army to fight the Taliban. This group, called lashkar, burned the homes of militant leaders. They vowed to keep fighting until foreign fighters left. Tribesmen also burned centers of militant activity and took control of tribal areas.

The American military proposed helping tribal leaders fight insurgents. The U.S. also provided aid for education and health in tribal areas.

Islamabad Marriott Hotel bombing

Main article: Islamabad Marriott Hotel bombing

In 2008, a truck bomb destroyed the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad. Many people were killed and injured. In response, the air force attacked militants in northwest Pakistan.

Renewed Bajaur offensive

They [Taliban militants] never see us on the ground. The only time they find out that an aircraft has struck is when the bomb explodes on them....

— Chief of Air Staff Air chief marshal Rao Qamar Suleman

President Zardari and Prime Minister Gillani promised revenge after the hotel bombing. By September 2008, the air force and army conducted a major offensive in Bajaur. Over 1,000 militants were killed. Many soldiers were also killed or wounded.

The armed forces continued to attack militants in Bajaur and Khyber. They destroyed many militant hideouts and took control of important areas.

Intensified drone strikes and border skirmishes with the United States

Main articles: American drone strikes in Pakistan and Shamsi Airfield

In August 2008, the United States increased air attacks in tribal areas. In September, a drone attack killed many people, but the target was not among them.

In September, there was a border fight between Pakistan and the United States after U.S. helicopters were fired on by Pakistan troops.

Militant targeting of tribes

In October 2008, militants killed four tribal elders who supported the government. Later, a suicide attack killed many tribesmen who were forming a militia.

Fighting for NATO supply lines

Main articles: NATO logistics in the Afghan War and Northern Distribution Network

In October 2008, soldiers fought militants to protect supply routes for NATO forces in Afghanistan. Militants tried to attack or block these routes. The army fought back and secured the routes.

In November, militants attacked supply trucks, capturing some. In December, militants burned many vehicles meant for U.S. and Afghan forces. In February 2009, a bridge was blown up, blocking the supply route.

Public support and unified military operations

Further information: 2009 in Pakistan and Joint warfare

Swat ceasefire

Main article: Nizam-e-Adl Regulation 2009

Since 2008–09, military leaders planned joint actions against militant groups. During this time, the government agreed to introduce special laws and paused military actions in the Swat Valley in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province. This decision worried leaders in neighboring countries.

The government said this agreement was needed to calm a strong rebellion and avoid more harm to civilians in Swat Valley, a place once known for its scenic beauty and tourist attractions. Local leaders announced that Islamic law would be applied across Malakand Division, which includes Swat. The government said the country’s leader would approve the deal once peace was restored. However, the agreement was never signed after the militant groups broke the truce.

The agreement came after the militants in Swat said they would pause fighting for ten days to support peace efforts. Pakistani officials said the new laws would let religious leaders give advice to judges but would not stop girls from going to school, stop music, or bring back other strict rules once used in Afghanistan.

Defeat of the militants in Bajaur

On 1 March 2009, Pakistani troops defeated foreign fighters in Bajaur, an important area near the border with Afghanistan. After a six-month battle, the army reported that most militants in Bajaur were defeated.

In response, militant groups attacked a police training center, taking some officers hostage. Police forces worked together to regain control of the center. The attack lasted about eight hours and resulted in several deaths. Many police officers were injured, and some militants were captured.

Militant violation of Swat ceasefire

Main article: Second Battle of Swat

In March 2009, people across Pakistan protested against actions by militant groups in Swat. A leader spoke out, saying such actions had no place in Islamic teachings.

The Supreme Court of Pakistan looked into a video and decided it had been faked.

Operation Black Thunderstorm

Main article: Operation Black Thunderstorm

On 26 April 2009, Pakistan’s military began a major operation called Black Thunderstorm to take back areas from militant groups. This operation involved the army, navy, and air force working together. Aircraft attacked hiding places while ground troops moved in.

The operation successfully cleared many areas by early May. By the end of May, the military had taken back the main city in Swat. Though some fighting continued, the military had regained control of the region by mid-June. The operation caused many people to leave their homes, but most had returned by August.

Blockade of South Waziristan

Main article: Operation Rah-e-Nijat

After taking back the Swat Valley, the military prepared for operations in South Waziristan. In June 2009, the military announced a major offensive against militant groups in this area. The operation involved thousands of troops and began with air strikes.

In October 2009, the military launched Operation Rah-e-Nijat, advancing into South Waziristan from several directions. After weeks of fighting, the military took control of several towns. By December 2009, the military announced victory in South Waziristan.

Death of Baitullah Mehsud and TTP counter-attacks

In August 2009, a leader of the militant groups was killed. After his death, the group carried out many bombings across Pakistan. The year ended with many bombings, including one in Peshawar.

Military offensive (2010–2017)

Insurgency in West and defeat of Taliban: 2010–11

Main articles: Orakzai and Kurram offensive and 2010 in Pakistan

In 2010, the army fought against militant groups in Bajaur. By April, the area was peaceful. In March, the army began fighting in Orakzai and planned more operations nearby. By June, they had defeated the fighters there.

Death of Bin Laden and Navy offensive

Main articles: PNS Mehran Operation and Operation Madad (Pakistan Navy)

In 2010, the navy helped fight hidden camps of militant groups. In May 2011, a U.S. operation killed a leader of a group that worked with these fighters. Later in 2011, attacks happened at a navy base, leading to strong responses from the navy.

Tirah Valley clashes

In early 2013, fights between different militant groups caused many people to leave their homes. The army started an operation to bring peace before elections.

Operation Rah-e-Shahadat

Main article: Operation Rah-e-Shahadat

In April 2013, the army began an operation to remove fighters from the Tirah Valley. There were many battles during the operation.

Operation Khyber

Main article: Operation Khyber

Disengagement of militant groups

Reports said that some militant groups moved to Syria to fight in another conflict.

North Waziristan offensive

In December 2013, the army started an operation in North Waziristan after an attack on a checkpoint.

Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan infighting

In 2014, different parts of the same militant group fought each other for leadership.

Operation Zarb-e-Azb

Main article: Operation Zarb-e-Azb

In June 2014, the army started a big operation in North Waziristan against many militant groups. Thousands of soldiers took part. By 2016, the area was made safer.

Continued insurgency

After trying to stop militant groups and failing, these groups hid in small, secret groups across the country. Although terrorism decreased, these hidden groups still threatened Pakistan’s safety. The TTP and its allies started Operation Ghazi to show they were unhappy with Pakistan’s military actions in the northwest. In response, Pakistan’s army began Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad.

By 2025, the TTP had become more active, threatening Pakistan’s goal to become a strong military power in South Asia. They focused on attacking security forces but tried not to harm civilians. Despite using drone strikes and special operations, Pakistan’s military faced many losses, and the presence of other militant groups in the area made control harder.

In October 2025, the chief leader of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa blamed the national government for allowing militancy to return, saying their policies were wrong.

Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad

Main article: Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad

In 2017, the fighting slowed down, but serious attacks still happened. In February 2017, a large attack in Sehwan, Sindh, caused many deaths. In response, the Pakistan Army started Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad to stop terrorism and build on past successes. This operation focused on finding and stopping hidden militant groups across the whole country. It included efforts by different forces in various regions to improve border security.

Because of Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad, the TTP lost many members and split into smaller groups, making them less effective. By 2019, Pakistan saw its safest year since the fighting began in 2004, with a big drop in suicide attacks. However, the operation did not fully stop extremism, and after the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in 2021, terrorism increased again.

Afghanistan–Pakistan border barrier

Main article: Afghanistan–Pakistan border barrier

To help protect gains from past military actions, Pakistan began building a fence along its border with Afghanistan in 2017. By August 2021, most of the fence—made of tall chain-link fences with sharp wire in between—was finished.

Operation Azm-e-Istehkam

Main article: Operation Azm-e-Istehkam

Background

Although Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad succeeded in fighting terrorism, it did not address the roots of extremism. After the Taliban took over Afghanistan in 2021, the TTP grew stronger again with new members and weapons. In 2023, terrorism increased in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa after the TTP ended a pause in fighting.

Approval and Launch

In April 2023, Pakistan’s leaders decided to start a new operation to remove militants threatening western regions. In June 2024, they approved Operation Azm-e-Istehkam to address extremism and terrorism fully. This operation includes military action and efforts to improve lives and reduce extremism.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif explained that this operation would not be large-scale like past ones. The goal is to strengthen the National Action Plan and bring lasting peace.

Operation Sarbakaf

Main article: Operation Sarbakaf

Operation Sarbakaf began on 29 July 2025 in Bajaur District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, to target hidden militant groups. The operation used helicopters and artillery, and curfews were put in place in several villages.

Peace prospects and developments

Since 2006, the government has worked to rebuild areas in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa that were affected by conflict. They built roads, helped banks, and created jobs. About 1 billion Pakistani rupees were used to help people who had to leave their homes. Another 500 million rupees supported the local government.

Many groups helped with these efforts. These included the United Nations, the U.S. government, and several Pakistani agencies. Big projects, like building dams and roads, were started. Schools were repaired, and many young people joined the army for education and training.

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa-FATA Merger

Since Pakistan became independent in 1947, some areas called FATA had different rules. In 2018, FATA was merged with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. This brought these areas under the same local government rules. New police officers were trained and sent to these areas to help keep things peaceful.

Casualties

Main article: List of terrorist incidents in Pakistan since 2001

See also: List of Militants fatality reports in Pakistan

In 2011, officials told lawmakers that about 3,097 soldiers and workers were lost, and another 721 were hurt so badly they could not work, while fighting against harmful groups. Many more people in Pakistan, both those keeping people safe and ordinary people, faced big dangers during these years.

Reports also say that many fighters from these groups were either caught or lost during the fights. Over many years, thousands of people from all sides were involved in these hard events.

Issues with war veterans

Pakistan does not have a special group to help people who served in its army, unlike some other countries such as the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. Many of these soldiers come from poor families in rural areas and are often forgotten after they join the army. Because there is no support system for them after their service, some think they face challenges similar to those faced by Vietnam veterans. Leaders rarely talk about these soldiers, as people do not often discuss the difficulties they face when they return to everyday life. How to help these veterans rejoin society remains an unsolved problem.

United States role

Main articles: List of drone strikes in Pakistan, Pakistan–United States skirmishes, War on terror, United States military aid, United States Foreign Military Financing, and Pakistan–United States military relations

The United States had a hard time with people in Pakistan who did not like America, especially after some events involving American workers. Many Pakistanis felt very negative about the United States because of military actions like drone strikes that began under President George W. Bush and continued under President Barack Obama. These actions were meant to fight terrorism but made many people in Pakistan very upset.

Economics and cost of war

See also: Economy of Pakistan and U.S. aid to Pakistan

The war hurt Pakistan's economy. Experts said the conflict cost a lot of money and made it hard for the country to grow. The economy suffered, with less investment and fewer jobs. Some leaders said the United States' actions were very harmful to Pakistan's economy.

From 2001 to 2010, Pakistan received money from the United States to help fight terrorism and for other support. In 2009, President Obama promised more help for Pakistan's economy over the next five years. He also talked about working more closely with Pakistan to fight dangerous groups near the border with Afghanistan.

In popular culture

Main articles: The Glorious Resolve, Khuda Kay Liye, and Waar

Some movies have shown stories about the conflicts in this area. These films help people learn more about what happened there.