DG ISPR: Afghan Taliban warned of consequences over alleged support for terrorism

Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry has warned that the Afghan Taliban regime will face serious consequences if it fails to stop supporting militant groups carrying out attacks in Pakistan.

In an interview with a foreign media outlet, the military spokesperson identified India as the biggest sponsor of terrorism in Pakistan and alleged that the Afghan Taliban regime was acting as an Indian proxy.

He described the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) as Indian proxies, alleging that the Afghan Taliban were using non-state actors and mercenaries to advance their objectives against Pakistan.

Lt Gen Chaudhry said Afghanistan remained under the influence of non-state actors. He added that several intelligence agencies and proxy groups had established a presence there following Russia’s intervention in the country.

He also referred to the alleged presence of international militant organisations in Afghanistan, including Jaish al-Adl, Al-Qaeda and Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP).

The DG ISPR said Pakistan’s main demand was that the Afghan Taliban stop supporting militants operating inside its territory.

He alleged that the Afghan Taliban regime had provided shelter to TTP chief Noor Wali Mehsud, Bashir Zeb and Gul Bahadur. He further claimed that militant groups were receiving weapons and support from Afghan territory.

Lt Gen Chaudhry warned that failure to address Pakistan’s security concerns would have serious consequences.

He also called on the international community to urge the Afghan Taliban to act as a responsible state, curb narcotics cultivation and production, and address concerns about militant activity.

The military spokesperson said Pakistan’s armed forces were fully capable of responding to threats originating from Afghanistan, including drone attacks.