When the economy is struggling, terrorists have more clout since the current administration cannot mount a significant offensive against them. According to research by the United States Institute of Peace (USIP), Pakistan’s economy is in bad shape and the Taliban in Afghanistan are reluctant to stop funding the outlawed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
The government has repeatedly warned the Afghan Taliban that the TTP has reemerged as an increasingly strong menace amid Pakistan’s economic crisis, but the Taliban has ignored Pakistan’s request despite increased pressure from Pakistan. Instead, the Taliban make counterclaims, which do not indicate a forthcoming change in that support.
According to the USIP, another important factor shaping Pakistan’s response is the country’s deteriorating economy, which is on the verge of default. The war on terror is an expensive operation that necessitates the mobilisation of armed forces. Pakistan can conduct raids and defend itself within the nation, but it lacks the means for a protracted high-intensity war.
The TTP’s rising political and material power is evident in its political coherence, swelling cadre of trained militants, suicide bombers, weapons, and equipment, and intensifying campaign of terror. According to the USIP, some Taliban members joined the TTP, and several recent bombers who carried out assaults within Pakistan were also Afghan. Only Taliban Interior Minister Siraj Haqqani and a few other Taliban commanders have occasionally curbed the TTP in response to Pakistani pleas, but the balance of opinion inside the Taliban is overwhelmingly in favour of the TTP and its campaign.