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Afghan Soil is still being used against Pakistan by the notorious TTP: Says Defense Minister Asif

“Islamabad has good ties with the ruling Taliban government,” says Khawaja Asif

photo credit@geo tv

In an interview with a US broadcaster, defense minister Khawaja Asif said that the proscribed TTP is still using Afghan soil to launch attacks against Pakistan, especially KPK.

“Pakistan has good ties with the ruling Afghan Taliban but the concerning thing for Pakistan is they are still unable to stop the use of Afghan soil against Pakistan by the TTP,” he said in an interview with VOA.

He further said that this matter was also discussed last month in a meeting between the DG ISI Lt General Nadeem Anjum and Afghan officials.

“During the meeting, the ruling party expressed their determination to solve this matter as their utmost priority and would not allow their land to be used against Pakistan or any other country,” he said during the interview. He also alleged that the TTP resettlement in Pakistan was done through a “program”.

“PTI Chairman and the former PM, Imran Khan, openly supported the TTP’s ideology and in many instances, the international media also referred to him as “Taliban Khan”, he said.

He further said that the TTP was in possession of all the weapons that were left behind after the US left the country on August 15, alleging that India is also helping them.

While commenting on the political turmoil in the country he said that Khan keeps on changing his statements and is not trustworthy.

“IK is now blaming the army and his stance against the army and the US is always confusing and never clear. Starting from the US he is now blaming IG Punjab for conspiring against him.

“From his recent statements, I don’t understand whether he is with or against the establishment, and whether or not he wants negotiation with the government”.

“Asad Qaiser and other party leaders talk about dialogue. In the case of a dialogue, it should be a national dialogue, where the establishment, media, and civil society are present. Only then it will be a successful dialogue”.

Written by Fariza Mehtab