Residents across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have questioned what they describe as the silence of the so-called Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) and certain rights groups following the recent suicide attack in Swat’s Kabal area, after Fitna al-Khwarij claimed responsibility for the deadly assault.
Speaking after the attack, members of the public said the claim of responsibility by Fitna al-Khwarij leaves no ambiguity regarding the perpetrators and urged political and civil society groups to unequivocally condemn terrorism regardless of its source.
Several residents argued that if PTM and other organizations claim to stand for peace and human rights, they should also raise their voices against Fitna al-Khwarij and those they believe facilitate cross-border terrorism. According to participants, selective condemnation of violence only weakens the collective struggle against terrorism.
Citizens also expressed the view that Pakistan continues to face terrorism allegedly backed by India, while militants operating from across the Afghan border remain involved in attacks inside Pakistan. They called on the Afghan authorities to demonstrate seriousness in preventing their territory from being used by terrorist groups for launching cross-border attacks.
The participants noted that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has witnessed repeated terrorist incidents in recent months, with Fitna al-Khwarij claiming responsibility for several attacks. They stressed that confronting terrorism requires a united national response rather than political divisions.
According to those interviewed, all political parties, elected representatives, religious leaders and advocacy groups, including PTM, should adopt a clear and consistent position against terrorism. They maintained that public confidence can only be strengthened when all stakeholders condemn terrorist violence without distinction.
The discussion also touched on recent remarks by an Afghan minister regarding close ties between Afghanistan and India. Participants said the statement has generated debate at a time when Pakistan continues operations against terrorist groups allegedly operating from sanctuaries across the border. They argued that regional cooperation against terrorism, coupled with a unified domestic stance, remains essential for achieving lasting peace and stability.
