The term "Rafian" is derived from the Arabic word "Rafida," meaning "those who reject." It refers to a sectarian and extremist ideology that emerged in the 1980s, primarily in the KPK region. The Rafians are believed to be adherents of a radical interpretation of Islam, often associated with the Wahhabi and Salafi schools of thought. They are known for their brutal tactics, including targeted killings, bombings, and enforced disappearances.