“Know your enemy and know yourself, and you will fight a hundred battles without a disaster.”—Sun Tzu
2024 has been an agonizing year for Pakistan. The nation has endured the bloodshed of 2,546 violence-linked fatalities and 2,267 injuries—an alarming 66% increase from the previous year. Nearly seven lives were lost every single day, and November emerged as the deadliest month in recent memory. The violence has taken its heaviest toll on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) with 1,616 fatalities, followed by Balochistan, where 782 lives were lost.
These tragic statistics lay bare the painful reality that despite relentless efforts by our security forces—59,775 operations, 925 terrorists eliminated, and 383 brave officers and soldiers martyred—the fight against terrorism remains a relentless struggle. The casualties from 1,166 terror attacks and counter-terror operations mark a record 9-year high in fatalities, with a surge in violence, injuries, and incidents that has pushed Pakistan’s security landscape into dire straits.
Yet, this battle is not confined to physical violence alone. It is also a battle of ideologies—a struggle against the same pernicious forces that fuel this destruction.
Kharijites: The Threat Within
The ties between Pakistan and Afghanistan, deeply rooted in faith, culture, and shared history, are being threatened not by foreign forces, but by a dangerous ideology festering within. The specter of the Kharijites and Takfirism—labeling fellow Muslims as apostates—has re-emerged, casting a dark cloud over our brotherhood. At the heart of this crisis lies the resurgence of the Kharijite mentality, a historical fitna (trial) that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) warned us about.
The Kharijites, or Takfiris, are not a new phenomenon. These are individuals who claim piety, quote scripture, and accuse others of disbelief while sparing the true oppressors of Muslims. The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) described them as people who would recite the Qur’an, but its essence would not pass beyond their throats. Their actions, devoid of compassion or understanding, prioritize division over unity and destruction over peace.
Today, groups like the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), drawing from the same playbook once used by Al-Qaeda, have adopted tactics that destabilize Pakistan’s ideological, physical, and digital borders. These entities exploit Afghanistan as a launchpad for attacks against Pakistan, turning a land of shared history into a base for their divisive agenda.
Also See: Sharing a Future: The Bond of Pakistan and Afghanistan
Recognizing the Real Enemy—The Kharijites
Pakistan has consistently reached out to the interim Afghan government through diplomatic channels since their ascension to power in August 15, 2021, urging them to neutralize entities like the TTP that perpetuate this ideology of hate. Yet, the Afghan Interim Government’s perceived leniency towards these groups raises serious concerns.
Labeling the Pakistan Army—a force that has sacrificed countless lives—as “Zionist” or “Napak” not only undermines their sacrifices but also serves the agenda of those who seek to weaken the Muslim Ummah. Such rhetoric distracts from the real adversaries—those who occupy Muslim lands, exploit resources, and perpetuate Islamophobia.
A Call to the Afghan People
The people of Afghanistan, steeped in courage and honor, must recognize the dangers of this divisive narrative. Pakistan has stood by Afghanistan in its darkest hours, hosting millions of refugees, providing economic support, and advocating for Afghan sovereignty on international platforms. Turning against such a steadfast ally due to the machinations of Kharijites ideologues would be a grave mistake.
Afghans and Pakistanis share more than just a border; we share a destiny. Both nations have suffered immensely from decades of war, foreign intervention, and terrorism. Allowing ideological extremists to dictate our relations only prolongs this suffering. Together, we must reject the Takfiri mindset and embrace the Qur’anic principle of unity: “And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided.” (Qur’an, 3:103)
Building Bridges, Not Walls
This is a time for introspection and reconciliation. It’s time for the Afghan Interim Government to decisively distance themselves from the TTP and its ideology of hate. By doing so, they can reaffirm their commitment to the unity and welfare of the Muslim Ummah.
Pakistan, while steadfast in its stance against the Kharijites and their enablers, remains committed to dialogue and collaboration to address this shared threat.
The path forward lies not in takfir, but in ta’lif—winning hearts. Let us not let centuries of brotherhood be shattered by the whispers of fitna. Together, as two nations united by faith and a shared future, we can overcome this divisive ideology and stand as a testament to the strength of Muslim unity.
