Islamabad: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said that proscribed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) is still using Afghan soil for launching attacks on Pakistan especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

“Islamabad has good relations with ruling Taliban government in Kabul. However, Afghan authorities have not succeeded in stopping use of their territory in attacks on Pakistan,” he said in an interview with US broadcaster, Voice of America. Matter, he said, had been brought up and discussed last month when a meeting between high-ranking delegation including Asif and ISI DG Lt Gen Nadeem Anjum and Afghan officials. “During meeting”, he said, “Taliban expressed their determination to deal with this problem.” Afghan authorities said that they would not allow their land to be used for terrorism against any country, Asif added. Asif said that he believed Afghan Taliban were “Distancing” themselves from proscribed outfit, however, due to fact that they fought against Nato together in past, certain “Camaraderie” exists between two sides. During his interview, Asif also alleged that resettlement of TTP leaders in Pakistan was done through “Programme”.

“[Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan has been signalling throughout his political career that he is ideologically supportive of Taliban. At various points, international media has even referred to him as ‘Taliban Khan’,” he said. He added that TTP was in possession of advanced equipment left behind by US after its withdrawal, further alleging that India too is still helping them. Stating that people of tribal areas and KP were not ready to ‘co-exist’ with Taliban, he said: “It is noteworthy that people are protesting unarmed against return of Taliban.” He shared that Taliban were “Undermining their gains through restrictions on women”. Speaking on matter of political scenario in Pakistan, Asif said that Khan’s “Stance keeps changing”. “I don’t understand from his recent statements, whether he stands with establishment or not, and whether he wants negotiations with government or not.

Published in The Daily National Courier, April, 12 2023

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