Who is Hafiz Gul Bahadur, the militant leader who ignited war between Pakistan-Afghanistan?

On March 22, 2024

Hafiz Gul Bahadur, a significant figure in the recent Pakistan-Afghanistan border tensions, is a complex character with a history deeply intertwined with militant activities in the region. During the recent escalation between the two nations, Pakistan’s military conducted air strikes on border regions of Afghanistan, resulting in the death of eight civilians. The Afghan Taliban condemned these strikes as “reckless,” leading to increased hostilities between the two nations.

Afghanistan retaliated by targeting Pakistan’s military posts with heavy weapons, sparking cross-border skirmishes. This surge in violence is part of ongoing disputes since the Taliban’s rise to power in 2021, with Pakistan accusing Afghanistan of harboring militants launching attacks from its soil.

Cross-Border Skirmishes and Escalating Tensions

Afghanistan’s defense ministry has reported that its border forces retaliated against Pakistan’s military by targeting their posts with heavy weapons. This action came amidst a series of incidents along the disputed border, including cross-border skirmishes reported by both sides on Monday.

Ongoing Disputes and Allegations
The recent escalation is part of ongoing disputes since the Taliban’s rise to power in 2021. Islamabad has consistently alleged that militant factions, including the Hafiz Gul Bahadur group, a faction of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), have been launching attacks from Afghan soil.

Pakistan’s Anti-Terrorist Operations
Pakistan’s foreign ministry has acknowledged conducting “anti-terrorist operations” targeting the Hafiz Gul Bahadur group. They attribute the surge in violence along the border to this faction, known for its opposition to Pakistani state forces.

The “Good Taliban Gone Bad” Phenomenon

A report in Dawn describes Bahadur’s group as an example of “Good Taliban gone bad.” Pakistan had classified Taliban militants based on their actions: those not attacking Pakistani forces were deemed “good Taliban,” while those targeting both US and Pakistani forces were labeled “bad Taliban.” Now, many of the “good Taliban” have turned against Pakistan, illustrating the complexities and challenges in dealing with militant groups in the region.

Understanding his background sheds light on the dynamics fueling the current clashes between the two nations.

Who is Hafiz Gul Bahadur?

Early Life and Militant Beginnings
Bahadur’s early life is shrouded in mystery, but reports suggest his initial foray into politics was through the student wing of the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam Fazl (JUI-F). Like many militants in the region, he fought alongside the Afghan Taliban against the Northern Alliance, like ..

Post-2001 Dynamics
Following the US-led intervention in Afghanistan in 2001, Bahadur and local militants provided refuge to various factions in Pakistan’s tribal belts, particularly in North Waziristan. This marked the beginning of Bahadur’s rise as a prominent figure in the region’s militant landscape.

Conflict and Alliances
Despite initial resistance to expel foreign militants post-2001, Bahadur eventually struck a peace deal with the Pakistani go ..

Pakistan’s Shifting Approach to Militancy in North Waziristan

Following the events of 2001, Pakistan initially adopted a passive stance towards militants entering North Waziristan. However, this changed dramatically after two assassination attempts on President Musharraf, prompting Pakistan to launch military campaigns in 2004.

Unintended Consequences
Despite aiming to quell militant activities, these military efforts inadvertently unified the  ..

Changing Alliances
Initially, Bahadur and his deputy, Maulvi Sadiq Noor, resisted attempts to expel foreign militants. However, by 2006, Bahadur’s approach shifted, resulting in a peace pact with the Pakistani government. This move alienated certain foreign militant factions, including the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU), which accused Bahadur of betrayal.

Post-Agreement Developments

After the peace agreement, Bahadur established a Shura council to govern the region, imposing taxes and penalties. This signaled a form of collaboration with Pakistani authorities, effectively establishing him as a local Taliban leader in North Waziristan.

Current Status and Influence
Bahadur’s group, while maintaining a separate identity, continues to have ties with the Afghan Taliban. They are reportedly running a training facility in Dattakhel for suicide bombers targeting Afghanistan. Experts suggest that despite his group’s distinctiveness, it benefits from connections to influential groups such as the Haqqani Network and Al Qaeda.

“According to militancy experts, Bahadur’s group continues to benefit from its ties to influential groups such as the Haqqani Network, Al Qaeda, and even the TTP, despite maintaining a separate identity,” said a Dawn report.

This piece was republished from The Economic Times.