Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has stated that the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) continues using Afghan territory to conduct assaults on Pakistan, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).
In an interview with Voice of America, a US broadcaster, he mentioned that although Islamabad has good relations with the governing Taliban administration in Kabul, Afghan authorities have not successfully prevented their territory from being used for attacks on Pakistan.
Last month, the issue was raised and discussed during a high-level meeting between Asif, ISI DG Lt Gen Nadeem Anjum, and Afghan officials. The defense minister said that the Taliban expressed their resolve to address the problem during the meeting. According to Asif, Afghan authorities stated they would not permit their land to be used for terrorism against any nation.
Asif also claimed that the Afghan Taliban was distancing themselves from the banned organization, but some camaraderie remained due to their shared history of fighting against NATO forces. The defense minister accused India of continuing to assist the TTP, which he says now possesses advanced equipment left behind by the US following its withdrawal.
Discussing Pakistan’s political landscape, Asif noted that former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s position seems to be constantly shifting, making it unclear whether he supports the establishment and seeks dialogue with the government. He emphasized that a national dialogue involving the establishment, media, and civil society members is necessary for success.