Afghan Government Incorporates Pro-TTP Elements, Says Ishaq Dar

ISLAMABAD: The Afghan administration has integrated hundreds of individuals sympathetic to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) into its government structure, stated Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, as reported on Saturday.

During a press briefing at the Foreign Office, Dar, who also serves as the foreign minister, mentioned that Pakistan and China have voiced their security concerns. They have urged Afghanistan to take firm measures against the TTP or to extradite the militants to Pakistan.

“Both Pakistan and China harbor security apprehensions. We explicitly conveyed to Afghanistan that they must either act decisively against the TTP or transfer them to our custody. The Afghan government has absorbed numerous pro-TTP elements into its governance framework,” he stated, suggesting a nadir in bilateral relations.

Dar noted that during a meeting with Acting Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in Kabul, he was informed that Afghanistan had established 700 border outposts to prevent cross-border incursions.

“I do not question their intentions, nor has there been any opposition from the Afghan side regarding our proposals to counter the TTP. Our singular request remains—action against the TTP,” he added.

Regarding Afghanistan’s demarche presented to Pakistan’s ambassador in Kabul on Thursday, Dar did not explicitly deny that Pakistan had conducted drone operations within Afghanistan.

He indicated that investigations into Afghanistan’s allegations should occur but stated, “I have been occupied and only reviewed the demarche this morning.”

Afghanistan summoned Pakistan’s envoy in Kabul on Thursday to formally protest against alleged Pakistani military actions in the Nangarhar and Khost provinces.

Responding to a question about the absence of a joint statement from the trilateral meeting involving China, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, Dar explained that contemporary diplomatic practices are evolving. Each country has communicated with their respective press, which serves as a substitute for a joint statement. “This should not have any adverse consequences,” he added.

The foreign minister also revealed that China has, in principle, agreed to Pakistan’s proposal to extend CPEC to Afghanistan and will consider connecting Kabul to the Peshawar Highway.