Terrorism in Pakistan

Since the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 Pakistan has faced the threat of terrorism in different forms and shapes. Yet in recent years the threat has taken on a new dimension. After 9/11 the US campaign against Osama bin Laden al-Qaeda and the Taliban in Afghanistan led to a surge in unrest and violence in Pakistan. Al-Qaeda gained a foothold in tribal regions of Pakistan via their local supporters the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) currently led by Mullah Fazlullah who unleashed a new wave of terror across Pakistan. Since then more than 60000 Pakistanis have been killed as the result of TTP-orchestrated insurgency and terrorist attacks and Pakistan''s society economy and its international image have suffered at the hands of TTP and its affiliated groups. As a result of several military operations many TTP leaders have taken refuge in Afghanistan where they have joined hands with the terrorist group ISIS the so-called Islamic State or Daesh by its local name. Pakistan''s nascent democratic set-up in the form of the government of Nawaz Sharif is struggling to curb this menace. This is the first book to cover all aspects of terrorism in Pakistan and to reveal the composition ideology approaches and strengths of TTP and its affiliates. It is essential reading for policy-makers strategists security experts and students to understand the intricate contours and dimensions of insurgency and terrorism within Pakistan.