AS my semester ended, I returned to Bajaur, my ancestral town, after about five months. Unusually, though not surprisingly, I discovered that the local people in my village patrol at night as guards to ensure the community`s safety from the menace of Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

In the aftermath of Kabul`s fall on Aug 15, 2021, the long-feared chaos was inevitable. Nevertheless, the IslamabadPindi nexus, with its flawed policies, has always haunted the turmoil-stricken youth of the erstwhile Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata).

The only thing we learn from history is that we never learn from history. The power-play policies of the communist and anti-communist blocs have alwaysplunged us deep into chaos and despair.

Nonetheless, the inept decision-makers seem determined not to pursue course correction, nor will they pay heed to the prevailing humanitarian crisis in the Pashtun belt.

Alarmingly, nearly 60 groups have pledged allegiance to the TTP. Comparatively, the TTP of 2025 is far more potent than that of 2007-08, as evidenced by the escalating violence and strategic assaults over the last few months. The year 2024 was the deadliest and bloodiest, reminiscent ofthe tragicevents of2013 and 2014. Only recently, the TTP established checkpoints in the Mahmund area of Bajaur under the cover ofdarkness,checking locals` CNICs on the main road. Several reports suggestthat, despite heavy bombardment in the Banda Malasid area, militants still hold these posts.

The real dilemma lies in the trust deficit between the state and the local population, as the past remains an obstacle to building trust. This issue is far more worrisome than militant assault s because, without the trust of its citizens, how can the state combat the prevailing threat and escalating terrorism? The way forward is simple, requiring policy clarity and consistent enforcement of counterterrorism strategies without discrimination. Rebuilding trust with the local populace is essential.

This can be done by addressing their grievances and ensuring theirinclusion in solutions. No power on earth can triumph without the support of its people.

Umair Khan Bajaur