A recent study by TRENDS Research and Advisory explores the implications of the escalating threats posed by the Pakistani Taliban Movement (TTP). The study indicates that the group’s attacks will persist going forward, driven by their desire to pressure the Pakistani government into releasing their imprisoned members and ceasing actions against their operatives and leaders. This is especially relevant given the presence of factions within the group pushing for escalation against the Pakistani government. The study, titled “The Escalation of Threats by the Pakistani Taliban: Indications and Implications”, authored by Nora Al Habsi, researcher and director of the Scientific Publications Department, and Ali Bakr, an expert in political Islam, asserts that in the absence of any prospects for negotiations between the Taliban and the Pakistani government in the near future, the violence will escalate in the border regions where the group is active. This is due to the targeting of Pakistani security and military forces. The study also notes that the lack of negotiations could further strain Afghan-Pakistani relations, which have deteriorated since the Taliban returned to power in Kabul in the summer of 2021. Islamabad has accused anti-Pakistan militant groups of launching attacks from Afghan territory. The study identifies several potential consequences of TTP’s attacks, including increasing insecurity in the North and South Waziristan border regions with Afghanistan, which already suffer from instability due to the group’s activities and the presence of its fighters. It also points to heightened tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, particularly following Pakistani airstrikes within Afghan borders, in Paktika and Khost provinces, claimed to target TTP bases. Additionally, it highlights the strengthening of local jihadist alliances, such as the Turkistan Islamic Party, the Balochistan Liberation Army, and the Pakistani Jihad Movement (TJP). Regarding the reasons for the increase in TTP attacks, the study indicates that the failure of negotiations with Islamabad has led to violent operations within the country, targeting not only military forces but also some foreigners and officials. This escalation is also due to the jihadist rivalry with ISIS, given the deep ideological differences and divergent goals between the two groups. Other reasons include pressure on the Pakistani government to release detainees and the influence of hardline factions within the TTP that oppose negotiations and advocate for continued terrorist attacks. This stems from the group’s long-established ideological framework, which views the Pakistani government as a secular entity that must be overthrown through armed jihad.