ISLAMABAD – Pakistani forces gunned down Qari Amjad, aka Mufti Muzahim, the deputy emir of Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), in an intelligence based operation and major blow to Khawarij. Muzahim was designated global terrorist by US, and his killing is being hailed as a major success for Pakistan’s counter-terrorism efforts.
Pakistani military eliminated four militants, including a key commander of the banned Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Qari Amjad, aka Muzahim, in the volatile tribal district of Bajaur as group of militants attempted to infiltrate Pakistan from Afghanistan. Security forces opened fire, killing Qari Amjad along with three other militants.
Armed forces identified Qari Muzahim as deputy of TTP chief Noor Wali Mehsud and head of the leadership shura. The government had placed a 5 million rupee bounty on his head.
Who was Qari Amjad Muzahim?
Amjad was one notorious militant leaders of an Afghan-based terror outfit. A couple of years back, US placed him on its global terrorism list, citing his responsibility for TTP operations inside Pakistan, tribal areas, and abroad.
Originally from Lower Dir, KP, Qari Amjad has reportedly been based in Afghanistan for years. Senior journalist Mushtaq Yousafzai told BBC that although he was active in Taliban, he was not particularly popular within group. His appointment as TTP’s deputy emir was largely due to his Malakand Division roots.
He received his early education in KP before joining a religious school in Jandol. His father was a government school teacher. He joined the Taliban during the peak of militancy in the region and became a key player in extremist operations. Security operations in 2010 forced him to flee to Afghanistan, though reports suggest he briefly returned to Pakistan before retreating once again across the border.
As per locals, one of his brothers was reportedly killed in clashes with security forces, although this has not been independently verified. After leaving Pakistan, Qari Amjad’s ties with his home region reportedly diminished significantly.
Islamabad repeatedly accused Kabul of harboring militants who launch attacks on Pakistan, claims denied by Kabul. According to the ISPR, TTP leaders in Afghanistan were trying to send fighters into Pakistan to create the illusion of internal presence and boost morale in Bajaur and Mohmand.
Earlier this month, the TTP was involved in fierce border clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan, causing heavy casualties and damage on both sides. The clashes temporarily ended on October 19 following a ceasefire agreement in Qatar.
However, the second round of negotiations in Istanbul between the Afghan Taliban and Pakistan this week ended without results, amid aggressive statements from Pakistani ministers. Defense Minister stated, “Pakistan makes it clear that it does not need to use full force to eliminate the Taliban regime or force them into hiding.”
Despite tensions, Pakistani officials confirmed that negotiations will continue at Turkey’s request, and Afghan representative Suhail Shaheen confirmed that both delegations remain in Istanbul.
Another shot at peace as Pakistan reopens dialogue with Afghan Taliban at Turkiye’s request
