In the immediate aftermath of the Afghan Taliban sabotaging the Istanbul peace talks, their Pakistani protégés, the Fitna al-Khawarij (FAK/TTP) terrorists who have long been sheltered by the Afghan Taliban, struck again inside Pakistan. This week they attacked a government school in Azam Warsak, South Waziristan, looted valuable equipment, vandalised classrooms, and fled like the cowards they are.
This despicable assault is the second attack on educational institutions by the group in one week.
On October 23, the same militants targeted a girls’ primary school in Tank, and on the same day they carried out coordinated strikes in Lakki Marwat that left a member of the security forces and an education department accountant in their cross-hairs. Their repeated assaults on schools expose a deep-seated hatred of learning and progress, they fear an educated Pakistan more than they fear defeat.
A deliberate campaign, not opportunism
The renewed wave of terror comes directly after the collapse of the Istanbul peace talks, widely attributed to the Afghan Taliban’s obstinacy and duplicity, influenced by foreign patrons including India. For financial gain and strategic leverage, these Afghan patrons have not only betrayed Pakistan but have also emboldened their protégés to act against the nation’s interests. It is no coincidence that after these patrons reportedly undermined the Istanbul talks, their proxies in Pakistan, the Fitna al-Khawarij terrorists, re-emerged with a fresh surge of violence. The timing and coordination point to more than opportunism, they indicate a deliberate campaign to destabilise Pakistan and derail regional peace. Behind this destructive alignment stand not only the Afghan Taliban, but also, it appears, allies and financiers from hostile foreign circles intent on undermining Pakistan’s stability and growth.
Targeting schools, attacking the future
Like their Afghan mentors, these Khawarij chose a school, a symbol of hope and Pakistan’s future, as their target. By attacking classrooms and destroying learning spaces, they are not only committing acts of terror, they are waging war on education itself, on the spirit of enlightenment that empowers future generations.
Pakistan’s response will be decisive
Pakistan has, both before and after the Istanbul talks, made its position unequivocally clear, there is zero tolerance for terrorism in any form, from any quarter, and from any source. The state has declared that any aggression against Pakistan will be met with decisive and proportionate force. Whether the threat originates inside the country or beyond its borders, the response will be swift and firm.
Defending sovereignty is a moral duty
Defending national sovereignty and territorial integrity is not merely a constitutional duty, it is Pakistan’s moral, legal, and religious responsibility. The nation will not compromise on this principle, nor will it be swayed by political or diplomatic convenience.
The attack in Azam Warsak was not merely an assault on a building, it was an attack on Pakistan’s soul, on every child’s right to learn, dream, and build a better future. As the enemies of education and peace intensify their campaign under the guidance of their patrons and foreign sponsors, Pakistan stands resolute, every act of terror will be answered, every conspirator unmasked, and every aggressor held accountable.
