Pakistan is facing border issues with the Afghan Taliban and ongoing conflicts with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Balochistan Nationalist Army (BLA), causing significant damage to the country. Concerns have arisen regarding the government’s response to these challenges and the necessity to combat internal threats. In response to declining popularity, the Shehbaz Sharif government has established a high-powered committee to enhance its image and regain public trust.
The newly formed committee includes political figures, radical clerics, army personnel, and ISI officials, raising eyebrows among Indian agencies. Of particular concern are the clerics associated with Jaish-e-Mohammad and Lashkar-e-Tayiba, known for their proximity to extremist groups. During a recent meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Sharif and officials encouraged clerics to participate in the committee and lead a narrative campaign to justify actions against TTP, BLA, and Afghan Taliban.
The decision to appoint Hafiz Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi, Chairman of the National Paigham-i-Aman Committee (NPAC), has sparked surprise, given NPAC’s connections with jihadi elements. This move has led to criticisms that Pakistan is endorsing jihad by involving such individuals in a committee advocating for war. Intelligence Bureau officials note a joint effort by the army and government to shape the narrative, with the inclusion of jihadi elements signaling open support for terror backers.
The committee plans to embark on a nationwide tour led by clerics to explain the rationale behind Pakistan’s conflicts with TTP and Afghan Taliban, aiming to incite anti-India sentiments by alleging Indian influence in these confrontations. The outreach program seeks to address the fallout from India’s diplomatic activities in Afghanistan, emphasizing the need to counter anti-Pakistani elements. Despite criticism of the Sharif government’s security management, the outreach program aims to shift the narrative towards blaming India for internal and border violence.
