A new terrorist alliance, Ittihad-ul-Mujahideen Pakistan (IMP), seems to be becoming increasingly active in Pakistan. On April 11, 2025, Lashkar-e-Islam, Hafiz Gul Bahadur group and Inquilab-e-Islami Pakistan together formed this organization. Initially its activities were limited, but in 2026 it has emerged as a new challenge for the security agencies of Pakistan. The special thing is that IMP is trying to differentiate itself from Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and is emphasizing on the use of modern technologies.
Between March and June 2026, IMP claimed responsibility for 18 IED attacks through its propaganda media. Before this, from October 2025 to February 2026, the organization remained relatively quiet and only training videos and threatening messages to the police were issued by it. After 28 February 2026, the organization again started taking responsibility for the attacks.
On the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha on 23 June 2026, IMP along with its sister organization Islamic Revolution of Pakistan (IIP) released a video. It showed terrorists singing songs in Pashto language and mentioned ambitions to reach Andalusia (present-day Spain). In the video, an appeal was also made to foreign fighters to join the organization.
Ideology is close to Al-Qaeda
According to experts, the propaganda machinery of the IMP appears close to the ideology of al-Qaeda. IMP attacks have been mentioned in al-Qaeda subcontinent’s propaganda material in recent months. Although the formal relationship between the two organizations has not been confirmed, many indications point towards their ideological closeness. Both IMP and TTP are trying to increase influence in Pakistan. Both organizations had also jointly taken responsibility for an attack that took place in May 2026. Despite this, there is a clear difference in the way the two work. While TTP relies on traditional tribal warfare style and large networks, IMP is making technological attacks like drones, snipers and IEDs a key part of its strategy.
Different in terms of dress
The IMP’s propaganda videos show militants in military-style uniforms and modern weapons, while the TTP emphasizes traditional attire and archaic combat structure. It is believed that due to the presence of new generation technically trained terrorists, IMP is adopting such tactics. According to researcher Abdul Saeed, Ittihad-ul-Mujahideen is actually a faction led by Hafiz Gul Bahadur, whose activities are mainly limited to North Waziristan, Bannu and Khyber districts. At the same time, TTP’s network is spread in many parts of Pakistan. Experts believe that despite currently being active in a limited area, the IMP is trying to create its own identity and challenge the influence of TTP through technical attacks and aggressive propaganda.
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