The recent arrest of Commander Sarbakaf Mehmud by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Afghanistan (the TTA) has revealed once again the deep-rooted connections between the TTA, and the banned TTP. Rather than acting against these proscribed groups in line with Pakistan’s repeated requests for verifiable action, this move underscores the continued patronage, facilitation, and protection that the TTP receives, a reality starkly at odds with claims made by Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid.
Sarbakaf Mehmud, previously the only commander of Jamaat-ul-Ahrar with direct access to the TTP’s central decision-making circles, was quietly removed from the leadership structure, with reports indicating that his “dismissal” was in fact an arrest executed by the Afghan Taliban. The lack of public explanation and the complete silence on social media following November 2025 signal the absence of transparency, accountability, and internal safeguards within these terror networks.
Internal dynamics within these proscribed groups have long been dominated by power struggles, mistrust, and violent competition for leadership and resources, rather than ideological or religious coherence. Past incidents — from the 2014 split of Jamaat-ul-Ahrar from the TTP to their reintegration in 2020 — show that decisions are often guided by short-term strategic advantage rather than principles. These groups have repeatedly carried out attacks targeting civilians, mosques, schools, and security personnel in Pakistan, demonstrating the lethal consequences of their internal and external ambitions.
The arrest of Sarbakaf also comes amid alarming reports of India’s involvement: drones worth $2 billion, along with training for the TTA and TTP, allegedly provided to target Pakistan. Far from curbing violence, Taliban and TTA continue to shield and facilitate TTP operations, contradicting claims of neutrality or independence.
This development exposes a hard truth: these groups are neither transparent nor accountable, and their internal feuds only amplify instability. The TTP and Jamaat-ul-Ahrar’s ongoing power struggles, opaque decision-making, and prioritisation of personal influence over public safety make clear that their ideology is a cover for violence, fear, and destruction.
Sarbakaf’s arrest is not merely the fall of one individual; it is a stark illustration of the weaknesses within these terrorist networks and a warning about the persistent threats they pose to Pakistan’s security. It also reinforces Pakistan’s long-standing position: cross-border terrorism facilitated from Afghan soil cannot be ignored, and the Taliban’s denials must be weighed against these concrete actions.
