The Federal Ministry of Interior on January 2 informed the Senate (upper house of parliament) that the continuous influx of Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) cadres in significant numbers, with recruitment, training and placing of suicide bombers, in the merged Districts [Erstwhile Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA)] of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is “a cause of concern”, reports Dawn. The Interior Ministry, in a written response during question hour, highlighted the TTP’s reorganisation and operational expansion during the peace talks in 2022, which has significantly increased its militant activities. “It has given significant rise to its activities and is seeking the support of other militant groups to increase strength and capabilities. It is mostly concentrated in KP, especially merged districts, with footprints in Balochistan and trying to activate its network in the country,” Ministry said. “The arrival of tashkeels of TTP in significant numbers continue in merged districts along with recruitment, training and placing of suicide bombers is a cause of concern,” the Ministry added.
The Interior Ministry said Daesh (Islamic State) was also trying to establish a foothold in Pakistan and resorted to terrorist activities against Shias and religious minority communities to ignite sectarian strife. It said fencing along the western borders of Pakistan had largely been completed to further strengthen the state mechanism of curbing the illegal movement from across the border. However, it pointed out that the two organisations, particularly the TTP, continued to sabotage the fence.
The Interior Ministry said data of 1.45 million registered refugees was updated and expanded through the issuance of smart identity cards. “The cards contain basic information, including biometric data, and are compatible with the local systems,” it said. It said the rationale for updating and documenting data was to strictly monitor individuals involved in criminal and terrorist activities. The Senate was also informed that more than 500,000 illegal immigrants have been repatriated so far under the Government’s deportation drive against illegal aliens. “Around 1.7 million illegal aliens are unlawfully living in the country, the majority of whom are Afghans. They are living without any legal documentation necessary for staying in the country,” the Ministry added. It said 541,210 people had been sent back after the cabinet’s approval of the deportation plan for illegal residents. Besides, close to 1.15m were still residing in the country, the Ministry said, adding that efforts were underway to identify and deport the remaining people. 271,985 people were repatriated via Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and 159,161 through Balochistan.