Modern warfare tactics escalating terror threat in K-P

The provincial police force is ill-equipped to ward off terrorists equipped with snipers, thermal technology

PESHAWAR:

In the wake of the United States withdrawal from Afghanistan, security challenges in Pakistan have exacerbated, as evidenced by the recent surge in attacks in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P). However, what is perhaps more alarming is the fact that perpetrators are employing sophisticated weaponry and thermal technology left behind by the United States’ forces.

This is evidenced by an incident which took place earlier in March, in Peshawar as terrorists, equipped with thermal imaging, ambushed a police mobile on Warsak Road, mere kilometres from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly. The assailants utilised thermal technology and snipers to kill three policemen, and then set their patrolling vehicle on fire. This attack echoes a similar tragedy from last year, where terrorists struck using night vision and sniper rifles in Peshawar's Sarband area, claiming the lives of three police officers, including DSP Sardar Hussain.

Such incidents aren't isolated. Throughout 2022 and early 2023, southern districts like Dera Ismail Khan, Laki Marwat, Tank, and Bannu witnessed a spate of attacks employing American thermal technology, as per police sources familiar with the matter. In light of these revelations, security experts warn of the dire implications of this trend. Dr Khurram Iqbal, an expert in security affairs and assistant professor at the Department of International Relations and the National Defense University (NDU), highlighted the evolving dynamics ever since the Taliban came into power in Afghanistan.

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"There is evidence to suggest direct support from the Afghan Taliban to organisations like the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP)," he emphasised, inferring that the narrative of terrorists procuring weaponry from the market was giving way to Taliban-backed extremism.In this regard, Inspector General of Police K-P, Akhtar Hayat Gandapur, stressed the urgent need for modernization within law enforcement.

“The provincial police must adapt with state-of-the-art equipment and strategies. Our officers are bravely confronting an evolving threat landscape, but they require adequate resources and support to effectively combat these sophisticated tactics,” asserted IG Gandapur. However, the stark reality is a glaring disparity between police resources and the evolving threat landscape. Official documents reveal antiquated infrastructure and equipment, juxtaposed against the onslaught of modern warfare tactics. With over 400 police stations and more than 500 checkpoints in the province, many lack basic security features, rendering officers vulnerable in the face of escalating dangers.Albeit to address these challenges, the K-P government has recently decided to spend Rs 3 billion for a security division within the provincial police department, and procure armoured vehicles, bulletproof vests, and thermal imaging technology, it remains to be seen whether the plan will actually see light of day.