By Shahid Sher Ali
The Taliban operating inside Pakistan have claimed responsibility for Karachi Airport attack that left at least 29 people dead and dozens seriously wounded on Sunday night. The implications of this attack are, without a doubt, far-reaching -- not just for Pakistan, but also for neighbouring India.
The biggest worry the Pakistani government has is that the Taliban are still capable of carrying out attacks almost anywhere in the country, despite a number of military operations launched in the tribal belt since 2009. The ability to launch brazen attacks in the settled areas have given the Taliban some room to assert influence.
The claim by the TTP (Tehrik e Taliban Pakistan) came amid speculations about negotiations talks that the government is being forced to pursue. The Taliban have said the airport attack was carried out to take avenge the death of former TTP heads, Hakim ullah Mehsud and Wali ur Rehman Mehsud , who were assassinated in a suspected drone strike by the US a few months ago.
Pakistan government's response to the Taliban has been muted and less aggressive lately, though some of the TTP factions have announced to continue their terrorist activities. On the other hand the Army is looking at the issue from its own perspective, brushing aside government's advises and recommendations for future policies regarding Waziristan and the Taliban. It is believed that the Army might be considering a full-scale military offensive in the North Waziristan.
Notable deaths in the Taliban camps in recent months have shaken the militants badly. With a military pressure mounting by the day, prominent TTP factions have decided to talk to the government but have also sent a list of demands to Prime Minister.
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