The Taliban in Orakzai Agency have confirmed that Hakimullah Mehsud is indeed dead. Rumours to this effect had floated for some weeks, and had been denied more than once. We are now told that Maulvi Noor Jamal has succeeded Hakimullah. Little is known about him and there is no way of saying if the decision is a unanimous one or if we are to see further rifts in the ranks of the Taliban. Following the death of Baitullah Mehsud last year, a power struggle within the organisation had been settled only with the intervention of the Afghan Taliban. It is possible that such intervention from across the border or from Al Qaeda may again be seen.

But what is clear is that the Taliban are a weakened and splintered force. This presents its own problems. A lack of central control often makes extremist organisations still more dangerous and especially difficult to nail down. Like minnows, they slip away through the spread-out nets. A strategy now needs to be put in place to guard against this and ensure that the organisation is effectively wrapped up. So far, much of the damage inflicted on it has come from US drones acting on what has obviously been immaculately accurate intelligence. Our own security apparatus now needs to demonstrate its worth. Following the death of Baitullah, we saw a ruthless series of ‘revenge’ bombings orchestrated by Hakimullah. It is possible that an attempt may be made to repeat such action. The inclinations of Noor Jamal are not known, but it is possible that he may wish to assert his authority. The Taliban have till now retained their capacity to strike at will. They will wish to demonstrate that this remains undamaged. It is important at this moment that they are not given the time and space to regroup. Our country has suffered immensely due to the militant mayhem we have seen now for years. There must now be an all-out effort to bring the terrible era of the Taliban to an end and instead move towards a future that is more progressive and peaceful.