[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text dp_text_size=”size-4″]According to Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) is still using Afghan territory to launch attacks against Pakistan, particularly in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P).
In an interview with Voice of America, Asif stated that “Islamabad has good relations with the ruling Taliban government in Kabul.” However, the Afghan authorities have been unable to prevent the use of their territory in attacks against Pakistan.”
According to the federal minister, the issue was raised and discussed last month during a meeting between a high-ranking delegation, including Asif and ISI DG Lt Gen Nadeem Anjum, and Afghan officials.
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“During the meeting, the Taliban expressed their determination to deal with this problem.”
The Afghan authorities stated that their land would not be used for terrorism against any country, according to the defence minister.
He stated that he believed the Afghan Taliban were “distancing” themselves from the proscribed outfit, but that because they had previously fought against Nato together, there was some “camaraderie” between the two sides.
During the interview, Asif also claimed that the TTP leaders were resettled in Pakistan as part of a “programme.”
“Throughout his political career, [Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman and former Prime Minister] Imran Khan has signalled that he is ideologically supportive of the Taliban.” “At times, the international media referred to him as ‘Taliban Khan,'” he said.
He also claimed that the TTP was in possession of advanced equipment left behind by the US after its withdrawal, and that India was still assisting them.
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The minister emphasised that the people of tribal areas and K-P were not prepared to “coexist” with the Taliban, saying, “It is noteworthy that people are protesting unarmed against the Taliban’s return.”
He also stated that the Taliban were “undermining their gains” by restricting women’s rights.
Concerning Pakistan’s political situation, Asif stated that Imran’s “stance keeps changing.”
“Imran Khan is blaming the army. I don’t know where Imran Khan stands regarding the US and the army at this time. Starting from America, he has now reached the Punjab IG for conspiring against him.
“I don’t understand from his recent statements, whether he stands with the establishment or not, and whether he wants negotiations with the government or not.
“There is no clear stand for them. (Former NA speaker and PTI leader) Asad Qaiser and others talk about dialogue. It should be a national dialogue in which the establishment, the media, and members of civil society are present. Only then can national dialogue be successful.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
