Islamic State in Khorasan Province (ISKP) Poses Grave Threat to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Publishing date: 02 May 2024
Published in: The Asian Politico
The Islamic State (IS) has emerged as a significant threat not only in the Middle East but also in the Khorasan region, encompassing Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Central Asia. Although after 2019 the presence of ISIS in the middle east decrease as their main leadership was eliminated but its presence in Khorasan further strengthens. The Islamic state of Khorasan province (ISKP) is the central Asian outfit of ISIS having same ideological goals.
At the core of IS’s ideology lies a radical interpretation of takfir, the practice of excommunicating Muslims who do not strictly adhere to Salafi practices. This stance effectively designates nearly all Muslims as legitimate targets, justifying violence within the Muslim community itself. IS’s rigid adherence to this doctrine has fueled its brutal tactics and enabled it to recruit followers from diverse backgrounds.
Moreover, IS has demonstrated pragmatism in its dealings, forming economic and military alliances with unlikely partners, such as the Assad regime in Syria. Despite its radical ideology, IS has shown a willingness to adapt its strategies for survival and advancement, indicating a calculated approach to achieving its objectives.
The IS model prioritizes the imposition of Sharia law over providing services to the populace, employing divisive tactics to position itself as the defender of Sunnism. By generating sectarian chaos, IS aims to consolidate its authority and perpetuate violence in the region, undermining efforts for peace and stability.
IS’s militarism and belief in global jihad are central to its strategy, with a particular emphasis on the “near enemy” rather than the “far enemy,” in contrast to groups like Al-Qaeda. The organization’s perpetual state of warfare and its centralized yet decentralized command structure reflect its calculated approach to achieving its goals.
Insights from diverse sources enrich the analysis, shedding light on IS’s unique capability to defend Islam from its perceived enemies and its dependency on generous funding for sustainability and operational capacity. The group’s ability to adapt and evolve in response to changing circumstances further complicates efforts to counter its influence.
In the aftermath of the Taliban’s resurgence in Pakistan, the Islamic State of Khorasan Province (ISKP) has become a looming threat to the peace and security of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Over the past four years, the province has witnessed 957 fatalities as a result of ISKP attacks, with security agencies successfully neutralizing 150 militants and apprehending 57 others during the same period.
Official figures indicate that ISKP has carried out a staggering 117 attacks across the province since 2019, resulting in the loss of 957 lives. Most of these attacks have been claimed by ISKP, which has also been responsible for the deaths of 150 militants and the arrest of 57 others during various security operations.
According to a report by the Interior Ministry, ISKP orchestrated a total of 25 attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during the current year alone, claiming the lives of 28 individuals, including leaders of political and religious groups, law enforcement officials, polio workers, security personnel, and civilians.
In the first four months of 2024, Bajaur district bore the brunt of ISKP violence with 17 attacks, including remote-controlled bombings and targeted killings. Additionally, two targeted killing incidents occurred in North Waziristan during the same period. ISKP also claimed responsibility for three attacks in Khyber, Lakki Marwat, and Shangla respectively.
During April, ISKP targeted local Maulana and JUI-F leader Noor Islam in Miranshah Bazaar, North Waziristan, and the following day, they martyred a CTD inspector in North Waziristan as well.
The report further highlights the ideological differences between ISKP and the Taliban, with ISKP specifically targeting the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F). Additionally, the report reveals that ISKP views Afghan Taliban and Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) with animosity due to their proximity, but at the same time they are using Afghanistan as a safe haven for their attacks against Pakistan.
Since October 29, 2019, at least 12 attacks have targeted JUI-F in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, resulting in the martyrdom of 72 individuals. In 2023 alone, ISKP carried out 8 attacks on JUI-F, including a suicide attack at a convention in Bajaur which claimed 64 lives and left over 100 others injured.
The provincial Home Department and Tribal Affairs report has identified Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) as the most affected group by extremism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with activists of the party being targeted through suicide attacks or targeted killings.
The National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) has declared over 80 extremist groups banned across the country, with ISKP ranking 61st. The report emphasizes the need for coordinated efforts to combat the growing threat posed by ISKP in the region.
Thus, as the world grapples with the implications of IS’s presence in Khorasan, it is imperative to recognize the multifaceted nature of the organization. Comprehensive strategies that dismantle IS’s networks while promoting peace and stability in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Central Asia are crucial for mitigating its impact and restoring security to the region.