TTP MEDIA STRATEGY UNVEILS TRUE HYPOCRITE FACE OF TERRORIST ORGANIZATION

Aiman Khattak

Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a terrorist and extremist organization, has recently unveiled a comprehensive media strategy that provides insights into its malicious objectives and methods, specifically targeting the state of Pakistan and its armed forces. The publication of the media strategy by the TTP on telegram channels like Bunyan-e-Marsoos and Jihad-e-Pakistan has shed light on the organization’s tactics for disseminating its ideology. Upon careful analysis, it becomes evident that the document has been crafted by media specialists who possess a deep understanding of the significance of operating within the cognitive domain. It is highly unlikely that the TTP, as a rag-tag organization, could have developed such a comprehensive strategy on its own. This observation raises concerns about the clear support of hostile intelligence agencies (HIAs) and anti-Pakistan elements in shaping the TTP’s media agenda.

One of the most striking features of the media strategy of the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) is the complete silence on the issue of enforcing Islamic Sharia in the country. The TTP, which is one of the most potent and lethal terrorist organizations in Pakistan, seems to have shifted its focus from religious to political objectives. The main aim of its media arm, is to disseminate content that can sow discord and distrust between the Pakistani Army and the civilian population, with a special emphasis on the Pashtoon and Baloch ethnic groups of the country. This content includes testimonials, appeals to join the TTP’s cause and propaganda videos. Interestingly, this media strategy bears a striking resemblance to the one used by some social media groups like that of Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM), which also seeks to undermine the state authority and create ethnic divisions. This similarity indicates that there might be a common mastermind behind these anti-state actors, who is manipulating them to achieve

Interestingly, the TTP’s media strategy explicitly states that it will refrain from carrying out any acts that may offend international powers. This indicates that the TTP is likely being manipulated by ‘Hostile Intelligence Agencies or foreign handlers whom they fear to antagonize. This strategic maneuver allows the TTP to tarnish the reputation of the Pakistani Army and intelligence agencies while avoiding repercussions from international actors. However, this calculated approach comes at the expense of innocent Pakistani lives, as the TTP has devised tactics to shift blame for their terrorist activities resulting in civilian casualties onto foreign intelligence agencies or the Inter- Services Intelligence (ISI). This alignment with their previous practices strongly suggests that the TTP will continue to perpetrate terrorist activities against civilians in Pakistan. Recent incidents, such as the killing of 3 innocent children, laborers in wana, and the murder of a local PTI leader, Shah Khalid, in Swabi, KPK, serve as strong reminders of the TTP’s willingness to engage in violence and criminal acts like extortion and kidnappings to further their terrorist interests. It is a grave error on their part to openly acknowledge these intentions in writing.

Further examining the TTP’s media strategy, it becomes evident that they aim to share their anti-government writings and speeches with the Afghan public and journalists. This revelation points to the TTP’s role as proxies for the Tehrik-i-Taliban Afghanistan (TTA) and the wider Taliban network. Additionally, the TTP explicitly states that any terrorist activity they carry out, even if it inflicts losses on the armed forces, may be disowned if it proves detrimental to their political interests. This starkly contrasts with the approach of the Pakistani security forces, who consider martyrdom a great honor, openly acknowledge the sacrifices of their fallen comrades, and pay tribute through proper funeral ceremonies and interactions with the families of the martyrs. The TTP’s deliberate concealment of its members’ deaths aims to prevent disappointment, demoralization, and despondency within the organization. It becomes evident that the TTP is not a legitimate champion of Islam, but a ruthless power hungry terrorist group that exploits and manipulate religion to advance its wicked goals.

In an attempt to adapt their propaganda to changing dynamics, the TTP’s media strategy announces the abandonment of the term “Murtad” (apostate) when referring to the security forces. Instead, they have devised alternative derogatory names. This shift indicates that their initial propaganda labeling the Pakistan Army as ‘Murtads’ has been vehemently rejected by the Pakistani people, and their falsehoods have been exposed. Now, they seek to find other derogatory terms to to satisfy their own cadre.

To sum up, the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan’s media strategy reveals the destructive role of the TTP and its connection with the Tehrik-i-Taliban Afghanistan. The TTP depends on external backing from HIAs and anti-Pakistan forces, which is clear from their propaganda. Their main objective is to create discord within Pakistan, especially between the Army and the people, while ignoring the enforcement of Islamic Sharia. The TTP also shows its hypocrisy by denying any responsibility for attacks that may damage their political agenda and hiding the casualties of their members. The TTP is not a genuine defender of Islam, but a greedy terrorist group that uses religion to justify its evil actions. It is important to acknowledge and value the positive role of the Pakistani Army in protecting the country and combating the challenges posed by such groups.