Hafiz Zubair Muwahid to lead ISI’s unified terror command against TTP, BLA
Pakistan’s intelligence establishment has moved to reorganise militant operations in its restive northwest and southwest, with the Inter-Services Intelligence appointing Hafiz Zubair Muwahid to head a unified command bringing together operatives of the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) and Lashkar-e-Taiba, intelligence sources said.
The newly constituted command has been tasked with launching coordinated operations against the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and, subsequently, against the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) in Balochistan.
According to Indian intelligence inputs, Muwahid—described as a trusted ISI asset—was handpicked for his operational familiarity with both regions and his long-standing links with militant networks active there. Officials say he has cultivated an extensive network of local informants, a factor expected to be leveraged in the coming campaign.
Sources indicated that a major offensive is being prepared, with ISKP and Lashkar-e-Taiba cadres expected to operate on the frontlines, while the Pakistan Army provides logistical and tactical cover.
As part of these preparations, residents of the Tirah region—where the command centre for the unified force is reportedly located—have been asked to vacate their homes.
Ground reports suggest the displacement has been large-scale. Around 20,000 people are estimated to have been forced to leave the area, many abandoning fully furnished homes.
Residents have complained that no adequate arrangements for shelter, food or basic amenities were put in place, despite assurances that the evacuation would be temporary. Although the KP administration has announced a compensation package, displaced families remain sceptical about receiving timely relief.
Officials warned that the situation on the ground is deteriorating rapidly. Intelligence inputs describe widespread fear among civilians, with reports of severe shortages and at least one death attributed to starvation, highlighting the gravity of the humanitarian fallout.
Security analysts assess that the region could witness prolonged violence, with the TTP expected to mount strong resistance, turning the campaign into a long-drawn conflict.
In a message circulated among operatives, Muwahid has reportedly urged ISKP and Lashkar-e-Taiba cadres to intensify attacks on the TTP and warned locals against extending any support to the group, threatening harsh reprisals.
\Indian agencies said they are closely monitoring developments. While there is no immediate indication of spillover into India, officials noted concerns over ISKP operatives who may, in the longer term, attempt infiltration into Jammu and Kashmir.