Pakistan’s Special Representative on Afghanistan, Ambassador Asif Durrani, revealed evidence suggesting that the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) is receiving financial support from India through Afghan intermediaries. Speaking at a programme organized by the Pak Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS) on the Afghan peace process, Ambassador Durrani estimated that 5,000 to 6,000 TTP militants have sought refuge in Afghanistan, with the total number rising to 70,000 when including their families.
He attributed the failure of past peace talks with the TTP to the group’s reluctance to surrender or pledge allegiance to Pakistan’s Constitution. Moreover, Ambassador Durrani highlighted the group’s refusal to face legal consequences for its atrocities, including the infamous attack on the Army Public School in Peshawar.
During discussions with the interim government in Kabul, Pakistan emphasized the necessity for the Afghan authorities to compel the TTP to disarm, surrender, and detain its leadership. Ambassador Durrani reiterated that the TTP’s activities represent a “red line” for Pakistan.
Regarding border issues, Ambassador Durrani advocated for the implementation of a unified documentation system across all Pakistan-Afghanistan border crossings. PTI leader Ali Mohammad Khan emphasized the potential benefits of enhancing trade and border interactions with Afghanistan, particularly for the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
National Party leader Abdul Malik Baloch underscored the importance of parliamentary supremacy in resolving Pakistan’s economic, political, and foreign policy challenges. Afrasiab Khattak, a political analyst, attributed many of Pakistan’s issues, including economic woes and extremism, to its flawed Afghan policy, advocating for a reassessment and acknowledgment of past mistakes.
BNP-M leader Dr Jehanzeb Jamaldini called for a comprehensive roadmap to address longstanding issues, emphasizing the necessity of constructive dialogue among political parties and the improvement of Pak-Afghan trade relations. Retired Lt Gen Naeem Khalid Lodhi highlighted the significant impact of Afghanistan on Pakistan’s politics, economy, and security, cautioning against foreign influences on Pakistan’s Afghan policy.
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