Islamabad (Kubha News)- Asif Durrani, Pakistan’s Special Representative for Afghanistan Affairs, claimed that Islamabad has evidence indicating that the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) receives financial aid from India through Afghan intermediaries.
Addressing attendees at a forum organized by the Pak Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS) on “Afghan Peace and Reconciliation: Pakistan’s Interests and Policy Options,” Durrani estimated that 5,000 to 6,000 TTP militants have sought refuge in Afghanistan, with the total number potentially reaching 70,000 when including their families.
Durrani stated that Pakistan’s peace negotiations with the TTP faltered previously because the militant group was unwilling to surrender or pledge allegiance to the Constitution of Pakistan. He noted that it was evident someone else was funding their sustenance, as the interim Afghan government couldn’t afford the daily expenses for such a large group.
Additionally, he said that the TTP refused to face legal consequences for their grave crimes, including the attack on the Army Public School (APS) in Peshawar.
Durrani emphasized, ‘During negotiations, Pakistan urged the interim government in Kabul to ensure the surrender, disarmament, and detention of TTP leadership, categorizing the TTP as a “red line” for Pakistan.’
Since 2014, Pakistan has engaged in peace talks with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Taliban at different stages. However, the TTP allege that Islamabad exploits these negotiations to infiltrate and sow discord among them.
Regarding the Durand line crossing issue, the Pakistani ambassador advocated for the implementation of a unified document system across all DL crossings with Afghanistan.
The forum also provided a platform for prominent political figures and analysts to offer insights into Pakistan’s broader Afghan policy and its implications for regional stability.
Political analyst and ex-senator Afrasiab Khattak urged Pakistan to reassess its Afghan policy, attributing many of the country’s internal challenges to its historical approach towards Afghanistan. Khattak’s call for introspection resonated with former defense secretary, retired Lt. Gen. Naeem Khalid Lodhi, who cautioned against the undue influence of foreign powers on Pakistan’s strategic decisions.
Durrani’s claims coincide with the Pakistani Taliban’s accusations against Pakistan, its army, and security institutions of occupying tribal areas. The Taliban emphasize that their war aims to enforce Islamic Sharia law without relying on foreign aid.