Peshawar/Islamabad — Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur’s declaration that his government “will not allow any kind of operation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa” has sparked sharp debate over how Pakistan should respond to the resurgence of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

Speaking at a political rally in Peshawar on Saturday, Gandapur said: “We do not allow any kind of operation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, nor are we in favor of such operations. We have already sacrificed 80,000 lives to terrorism.”  He added that “Federal government, listen. The KP government does not support operation or displacement.”

While his remarks drew applause from supporters, security officials and analysts warn the stance risks creating space for militants to regroup, undermining national counterterrorism efforts.

Also: Imran Khan Urges Afghan Talks, Ignoring TTP’s Bloodshed and Broken Promises

A Shifting Position

Gandapur has not been consistent in his messaging. In July, he described the armed forces as “guests” in KP, saying they were present at the request of his government and must be treated with respect. But in another video message after a PTI parliamentary meeting, he accused the military of civilian casualties in Bajaur, arguing such operations eroded public trust.

More recently, he conceded that mortar shelling, drone strikes, and the use of fighter jets against militants was a constitutional prerogative of the military, suggesting his government could not stop such actions. These shifts have left observers questioning whether his “no ops” rhetoric is a matter of principle or political positioning.

Calls Beyond Counterterrorism

At the same rally, Gandapur also pivoted to judicial and political grievances, urging courts to “deliver justice to Imran Khan, his wife and the people.” He insisted PTI’s struggle for ‘Haqeeqi Azadi’ would continue until it achieved success, and directly addressed Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir: “It is obligatory on you to play your role and sort out Imran’s issue.”

PTI leaders framed the event as part of a wider campaign. Faisal Javed told the crowd video messages from Imran Khan would be played, though the footage turned out to be from a previous gathering. Senior PTI figure Azam Swati vowed to “continue to bear cruelty and barbarity” until Khan’s release, while party officials described the rally as a stand against lawlessness and curbs on free speech.

History of Failed Deals with TTP

Critics point to Pakistan’s troubled history of negotiating with the TTP. Peace deals struck in 2004, 2009, 2014, and most recently in 2021–22 collapsed after the group used ceasefires to reorganize and expand its operations.

Between 2023 and 2025, the TTP carried out hundreds of attacks across KP and Balochistan, killing civilians, police, and soldiers. Targets have included schools, jirga gatherings, and security convoys.

Independent reports, including those by United Nations monitoring teams, confirm the group operates from sanctuaries inside Afghanistan, launching cross-border raids into Pakistan’s tribal districts.

Security vs. Politics

Counterterrorism experts stress that “operations are not optional,” pointing out that UN Security Council resolutions obligate member states, including Pakistan, to act against listed terrorist organizations.

Some also accuse the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Gandapur’s party, of turning national security into political rhetoric. Earlier, the PTI government in the federal and in KP attempted “reconciliation” with the TTP, a policy critics say directly worsened the security situation.

Observers argue Gandapur’s comments echo narratives long advanced by the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) and amplified by Indian media, which frame military action as a source of instability rather than as a response to militant violence.

Public Demands Protection, Not Appeasement

For many residents of KP, the debate is not abstract. Families in Swat, Bannu, and South Waziristan continue to face threats of extortion, targeted assassinations, and school bombings. Civil society groups and tribal elders have repeatedly staged protests demanding stronger protection and clear action against militants.

“The people of KP want peace and security, not appeasement of those who kill our children,” said one Peshawar-based activist.

National Stakes

The federal government maintains that operations are launched only when intelligence points to imminent threats. Interior officials argue that dismantling militant networks requires coordination between Islamabad and Peshawar, not public disavowals of counterterrorism.

With Pakistan already grappling with cross-border militancy, attacks from the militant groups operating in Balochistan, and extremist recruitment online, analysts warn that Gandapur’s hardline “no ops” position could leave KP vulnerable to another wave of TTP violence.

Meanwhile, PTI projected the rally as a show of strength. Thousands of party supporters from across the country were bussed into Peshawar, with police deploying more than 1,400 personnel and snipers for security. PTI leaders including Imran Khan’s sister Aleema Khan and provincial president Junaid Akbar also attended the rally.