In the past two decades, Bajaur-the tribal district in Pakistan has seen various military operations. This area has a stronghold of Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Al-Qaeda, and the most critical operation was Operation Sherdil which was launched in 2008-2009. Countering insurgency has no full success in Bajaur, indicating that the tussle is between those in politics and society. The group formed in 2007, known as the TTP, is infamously popular for its sectarian violent acts and frequent suicide bomb blasts targeting Shia Muslims and state institutions. In 2025, TTP lost some fighters but retained some, which mostly prefer to base inside Afghanistan. While these TTP infiltrated Pakistan, it blamed Afghan intelligence elements and forces by way of Afghanism for not providing real help against TTP militancy. This has also enlarged combat operations in Bajaur by acquiring funds from the US to fight terrorism, which led to wrangling and suspicion about arms leakage to the militant groups. Not surprisingly, the tribal populace of Bajaur is extremely depressed owing to frequent military operations followed by the destruction of infrastructure and several thousands of families rendered homeless. 2009 to 2025 is the period most indicating the transformation of militancy in Bajaur. By 2025, it would rather be sporadic ambushes, assassinations, and recruitment drives rather than holding areas. The evolution of this case depicts that victories over militancy are possible through more than strength; it requires long-term governance, social rehab, and regional cooperation. The script of Bajaur has changed, going from Operation Sherdil to Operation Sarbakaf, indicating changes in Pakistan's strategy against insurgency and the evolving resilience of militant networks.

Bajaur’s fight shows counterterrorism fails w/o tackling poverty & politics. Deep state fuels endless wars. Empower locals, end elite games! Share this on X to expose the truth.

#Bajaur #AntiDeepState #WarOnTerror

dissidentvoice.org/2025/09/baja...