Fitna al-Khawarij’s Subversive Plan al-Khandaq Operations
The recent announcement by the Fitna al-Khawarij-FAK (Tehreek e Taliban Pakistan-TTP) regarding their so-called “Al-Khandaq Operations” is yet another attempt to justify violence and destruction under the guise of religion and resistance. While the FAK claims to fight for the establishment of Shariah and the protection of people’s lives and dignity, their actions have consistently brought suffering, instability, and despair to the people of Pakistan. The FAK’s call for “defensive jihad” and their glorification of warfare are deeply misguided. Islam is a religion of peace, compassion, and justice. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized the sanctity of human life and the importance of resolving conflicts through dialogue and understanding. The FAK’s violent tactics, including ambushes, sniper attacks, and guerrilla raids, have only resulted in the loss of innocent lives, the destruction of communities, and the destabilization of the region. Violence cannot and will not lead to justice or a better future. FAK portrays the Pakistani military and security institutions as the sole source of the country’s problems. While no system is perfect, the solution to political, economic, and social challenges lies in reform, dialogue, and democratic processes—not in armed conflict. The real enemy facing Pakistan is extremism and terrorism, which undermines national unity, disrupts development, and perpetuates suffering. The FAK‘s actions have only deepened divisions and hindered progress, making it harder for Pakistan to achieve stability and prosperity.
It is pertinent to mention that the FAK propagates its ‘own’ version of Islam, promoting the notion of jihad as a central tenet of their ideology. They justify their actions by framing jihad in Pakistan as defensive in nature, and purportedly aimed at resisting perceived injustices and oppression. However, this interpretation raises questions regarding the legitimacy of their tactics, particularly in light of the indiscriminate violence they inflict upon innocent civilians, including the tragic attack on the Army Public School (APS) in 2014, where innocent children were mercilessly martyred. Such atrocities defy the principles of defensive jihad and instead constitute flagrant violations of Shariah as well as domestic law. Similarly, FAK does not differentiate between jihad and conventional wars. The concept of jihad is very broad. One form of jihad is fighting or Qital, which is the responsibility of the Islamic State under specific circumstances. It is evident from the life of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) that war is an exceptional situation, while the general situation is peace. In the opinion of jurists, Jihad is not an individual obligation in general circumstances, but a collective obligation. Therefore, the announcement and preparation for war must be in the hands of the government, not the terrorist organizations like FAK.
Furthermore, the Battle of the Trench (Ghazwa e Khandaq), which these terrorists have referred to, teaches us the importance of faith, unity, and divine support in the face of adversity. It is a story of resilience and hope, not a justification for violence or extremism. This battle was fought against external oppressors, not fellow Muslims, and its lessons lie in resilience and trust in Allah, not in violence or division. Terrorist organizations like the FAK exploit such historical events to justify their violent agendas, distorting Islam’s true teachings. Unlike the Battle of the Trench, which defended the Muslim community, the FAK’s so-called “Al-Khandaq Operations” target fellow Muslims—civilians, security forces, and public institutions. The war they are waging against their own people is unjustifiable and goes against the very principles of justice, compassion, and peace that Islam stands for. Moreover, the FAK’s call for support from “honorable tribesmen” is not only hypocritical but also deeply insulting to the very people they claim to represent. Which tribesmen are they referring to? The same tribesmen whose children, families, and communities have been brutally murdered by these terrorists? The FAK has brought nothing but barbarity, misery, and pain to the tribal regions, targeting innocent civilians, destroying schools, and displacing families. Their actions stand in stark contrast to the sacrifices made by Pakistan’s armed forces and LEAs who have laid down their lives to protect the nation and its people.
Above all, the actions of terrorist groups like the FAK, who announce and carry out attacks during the holy month of Ramadan, are a clear testament to their deviation from the true teachings of Islam. The Quran explicitly states, “And fitnah (chaos and oppression) is greater than killing” (Quran 2:217), emphasizing that spreading disorder and violence is a grave sin. By targeting armed forces and innocent civilians during Ramadan—a month dedicated to peace, reflection, and worship—these groups demonstrate that they are not followers of Islam but servants of evil forces. What kind of so-called Muslims are they who do not abstain from violence in this sacred month, rooting instead for bloodshed and destruction? In the end, it is necessary to mention that the Quran warns that those who spread chaos and oppression will face severe consequences, both in this world and the Hereafter. These terrorists, who exploit religion to justify their crimes, are destined for the fire of Hell, where they will meet the ultimate punishment for their atrocities. The people of Pakistan must recognize these groups for what they truly are—enemies of peace, humanity, and Islam itself. It is our duty to stand united against such evil forces and support those who protect our nation, ensuring that these perpetrators of violence are brought to justice and that their reign of terror is brought to an end.
