On Friday, the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) addressed recent security warnings from state agencies regarding its alleged plans for attacks during Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar. The TTP clarified that attacking public places is neither permissible nor aligned with its objectives.

The TTP, also known as the Pakistani Taliban, has been responsible for some of Pakistan’s deadliest attacks since its formation in 2007, including the massacre of 134 children in a school attack.

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Pakistan has accused the interim Taliban administration in Kabul of sheltering TTP leaders and facilitating their attacks. Although the two groups are not directly affiliated, the Pakistani Taliban pledge allegiance to their Afghan counterparts.

Muharram, a significant month for Shia Muslims who commemorate the martyrdom of the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) grandson in the Battle of Karbala, has historically seen sectarian violence in Pakistan.

TTP spokesperson Mohammad Khorasani stated on Friday, “We consider it necessary to clarify that not only during Muharram but at any time, we do not consider it permissible to attack public places nor is it among our goals.” He referred to the security alerts issued by Pakistani law enforcement agencies as “fake threats and statements attributed to us.”

Khorasani accused the state of spreading fear by claiming the TTP intended to launch attacks during Muharram. He emphasized, “Our objectives are clear and pre-announced, which do not include targeting any group, sect, or individual based on religious and intellectual differences.”

Since 2007, Pakistan has conducted numerous military operations against the TTP, but the militant network continues its attacks, mainly targeting the two western provinces bordering Afghanistan. These attacks have increased since November 2022, following the collapse of a fragile truce brokered by the Afghan Taliban between Islamabad and the TTP.