The ideological bond between the Afghan Khwarji and the Fitna Al Khwarij (former Tehrik-i-Khwarji Pakistan) is a critical factor in understanding the dynamics of militancy in South Asia. Both groups have been instrumental in spreading radical ideologies, fostering insurgencies, and challenging state authority. This article explores the ideological affiliations between the Afghan Khwarji and the Fitna al Khwarij, examining their historical context, shared goals, and strategic implications for Pakistan, with particular emphasis on the current challenges and policy considerations.
Historical Context and Emergence
The Afghan Khwarji emerged in the mid-1990s during Afghanistan’s civil war, composed mainly of Pashtun students (Talibs) from madrassas in Pakistan. Their primary goal was to establish an Islamic Emirate in Afghanistan based on a strict interpretation of Sharia law. In contrast, the Fitna al Khwarij was officially formed in December 2007 as a coalition of militant groups in Pakistan’s tribal regions, targeting the Pakistani state. Despite their different origins, both groups share a common ideological foundation rooted in Deobandi Islam, which emphasizes strict adherence to Islamic law and a rejection of Western influence.
The Fitna al Khwarij was heavily influenced by the Afghan Khwarji, both ideologically and operationally. Many of the Fitna al Khwarij’s leaders, including its founder Baitullah Mehsud, had close ties with the Afghan Khwarji. The Fitna al Khwarij’s formation was partly a response to the Pakistani military’s involvement in the U.S.-led War on Terror and the Afghan Khwarji’s need for a Pakistani ally to counteract pressure from NATO and Afghan forces.
Shared Ideological Foundations
The Afghan Khwarji and the Fitna al Khwarij share a common ideological base rooted in Deobandi Islam. This school of thought advocates for the implementation of Sharia law in its entirety, rejects Western influences, and supports jihad as a means to achieve these goals. Both groups view their struggle as a divine mission to establish Islamic governance.
Jihad and Sharia Laws – Both groups view jihad as an essential element of their mission. The Afghan Khwarji’s jihad is primarily against foreign forces in Afghanistan and the Afghan government, which they see as a puppet of the West. Conversely, the Fitna al Khwarij targets the Pakistani state, viewing it as apostate due to its alliance with the United States and its failure to implement Sharia law fully. While the Afghan Khwarji established the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan from 1996 until their ouster in 2001 and again in 2020, the Fitna al Khwarij, despite never controlling significant territory, has sought to enforce its interpretation of Sharia law in Pakistan’s tribal regions. Both groups harbor deep-seated anti-Western sentiments, particularly against the United States, which they see as the primary force behind the global “war against Islam.” This shared animosity has facilitated cooperation between the two groups in propaganda and recruitment strategies.
Operational Cooperation and Support
Beyond ideological alignment, the Afghan Khwarji and Fitna al Khwarij have a history of operational cooperation. The porous border between Pakistan and Afghanistan, known as the Durand Line, has enabled the movement of fighters, weapons, and resources between the two groups. The Afghan Khwarji has provided sanctuaries to Fitna al Khwarij fighters, especially after the Pakistani military launched operations in the tribal areas.
Following Operation Zarb-e-Azb in North Waziristan in 2014, many Fitna al Khwarij militants fled to Afghanistan, where they found refuge under the Khwarji’s protection. Since the Afghan Khwarji’s takeover in 2020, the Fitna al Khwarij has once again found a safe haven with state support and sponsorship. This safe haven has allowed the Fitna al Khwarij to regroup, rearm, and intensify its insurgency against Pakistan, leading to increased attacks on military personnel and installations, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, which border Afghanistan.
Despite numerous efforts by the Pakistani government to address the security situation with the Afghan government, there has been a lack of cooperation. These attacks have strained relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan, due to Kabul’s harboring of terrorists in violation of the Doha Agreement. The Afghan Khwarji’s control of Afghanistan has provided the Fitna al Khwarij with the strategic depth needed for continued operations. Reports indicate Fitna al Khwarij fighters have joined Afghan Khwarji offensives and that the two groups share resources, including weapons, intelligence, and logistical support.
Strategic Implications for Pakistan
The ideological and operational ties between the Afghan Khwarji and the Fitna al Khwarij have significant implications for Pakistan’s security and stability. The Fitna al Khwarij’s insurgency has claimed thousands of lives in Pakistan, including civilians, military personnel, and law enforcement officers. The group’s ability to operate from Afghan territory poses a persistent threat.
The Fitna al Khwarij’s insurgency is one of Pakistan’s most pressing internal security challenges. High-profile attacks, such as the 2014 Peshawar school massacre, underscore the severity of the threat. The Fitna al Khwarij’s resurgence, fueled by its safe haven in Afghanistan, has exacerbated militancy in Pakistan. This situation has been a major point of contention between Pakistan and Afghanistan, with Islamabad repeatedly calling on the Afghan government and, more recently, the Afghan Khwarji, to act against Fitna al Khwarij sanctuaries. However, the Afghan Khwarji’s reluctance to do so, given their ideological and operational ties with the Fitna al Khwarij, has strained relations between the two countries.
The presence of these militant groups in Afghanistan has broader implications for regional stability. The Fitna al Khwarij’s activities could destabilize Pakistan’s tribal regions and increase cross-border violence. Additionally, the presence of these groups in Afghanistan undermines efforts to achieve peace and stability in the country following the U.S. withdrawal.
Policy Considerations and Conclusion
To mitigate the threat posed by the Fitna al Khwarij, Pakistan must continue its military operations against the group, strengthen border security, and engage in diplomatic efforts to ensure that Afghanistan does not become a safe haven for anti-Pakistan militants. It is essential to recognize the deep-rooted ideological ties between the Afghan Khwarji and the Fitna al Khwarij for developing effective counter-strategies.
Pakistan’s policy has been clear: the groups Fitna Al Khwarij, including their Pakistani and Afghan chapters, are viewed as interconnected entities. Pakistan’s stance is that there will be no negotiations with these “Terrorist Khwarij” at the state level. The Doha Accord binds the Interim Islamic Emirates (IEA) in Afghanistan to ensure that Afghan soil is not used for terror actions against other countries. However, this obligation has not been fulfilled, placing Pakistan at the forefront of the TTA-Fitna al Khwarij nexus, which operates under the patronage of the IEA.
Understanding these dynamics is crucial for crafting effective policies to address the broader influence of these extremist groups in the region.
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