ISLAMABAD: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said that the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) is still using Afghan territory to launch attacks on Pakistan, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Despite good relations with the Taliban government in Kabul, Afghanistan has not stopped TTP’s use of its soil in terrorism against Pakistan, said Kh Asif in a statement. In a recent meeting between high-ranking officials from Pakistan and Afghanistan, the Taliban expressed their commitment to solving this issue, and the Afghan government pledged not to permit terrorist activity on its soil.
The PML-N leader claimed that TTP leaders resettled in Pakistan through a programme, allegedly supported by Imran Khan, who has been called “Taliban Khan” by some international media outlets. Additionally, Kh Asif asserted that the TTP possesses advanced equipment left behind by the US and that India is still assisting them.
The Defence Minister added that the people of tribal areas and KP are protesting against the return of the Taliban, and the Taliban’s restrictions on women are undermining their gains. Regarding Pakistan’s political situation, Asif criticised Imran Khan’s changing stance and called for a national dialogue involving the establishment, media, and members of civil society to achieve success.
