Malakand insurrection (1994–1995)

Malakand insurrection (1994-1995)
Date 1 November 1994 – 19 June 1995 Location Malakand Division Result Pakistani victory Suppression of rebellion
Belligerents
Pakistan	TNSM
Commanders and leaders
Unknown	Sufi Muhammad
Units involved
Pakistan Army XI Corps Artillery regiment Aviation Corps FCKP(N)	TNSM Black turbans Foreign jihadists
Strength
Unknown	10,000+
Casualties and losses
~12 killed	~28 killed
26+ wounded

Malakand revolt refers to an insurrection by Tehreek-e-Nafaz-e-Shariat-e-Mohammadi under the command of Sufi Muhammadin Malakand Division on the basis of a demand for Sharia law. Multiple areas were captured by the militants. The uprising was quashed by the Pakistan army, captured areas were liberated and a peace deal was negotiated. It was the first Salafi jihadist uprising in Pakistan.

Background

In northwest Pakistan, three princely states Dir, Swat and Chitral were abolished and reorganised to form the Malakand Division in 1970. This also abolished the laws of princely state especially the Sharia implementation in Swat. During the Soviet Afghan war, many militants from this area went to Afghanistan for Jihad. Upon returning they started campaigning for Sharia law and established an organisation named as Tehreek-e-Nafaz-e-Shariat-e-Mohammadi.

Rebellion

November 1994 insurrection

In November 1994, Tehreek-e-Nafaz-e-Shariat-e-Mohammadi under Sufi Muhammad led a revolt for the implementation of Sharia law in the Malakand Division. A large number of Afghan Mujahideen from the nearby areas also came to aid the rebellion. Timergara, the headquarters of Lower Dir, was besieged by government, artillery Shelling was carried out and fighting erupted in Swat. The Saidu Sharif Airport, roads multiple police stations and judicial courts in the area were occupied by the militants. The Sharia law was implemented in the occupied areas. They imposed driving on the right side of the road as a symbol of discontinuing British traditions. The militants established check points on mountain peaks to prevent military from entering. Approximately 40 persons, including 12 security force personnel, were killed in a week of combat before the Government quelled the rebellion. Pakistan army deployed combat and reconnaissance helicopters to the area. The Frontier Corps was deployed to regain control of the area.

December 1994 clashes

On December 4, 1994, 10,000 members of the TNSM started rally for the release of 85 captured militants but security forces responded with tear gas shelling.

June 1995 clashes

On June 19, 1995, the TNSM Chief Sufi Muhammad and 20 senior militants were arrested following an attack on security forces. In response hundreds of TNSM cadres attacked and occupied Government offices in the Swat district wounding 26 people.

Aftermath

After the introduction of the PATA Regulation, the provincial government recommended the introduction of the Shariah law. Nizam E Adl Ordinance was passed by Pakistani government which made it compulsory for the civil courts to seek advice of a Muawin Qazi, who was a religious cleric learned in Islamic law. But militant presence in the area led to the First Battle of Swat.