DG ISPR Warning: Afghan Taliban face 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 operating in Pakistan.

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

He named the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) among the groups he described as Indian proxies. He also accused the Afghan Taliban of using non-state actors and mercenaries to pursue their objectives.

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

The DG ISPR said Pakistan’s main demand was for the Afghan Taliban to stop supporting militants carrying out attacks inside the country.

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

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

He also called on the international community to urge the Afghan Taliban to act as a responsible government, curb narcotics cultivation and production, and address regional security concerns.

The military spokesperson maintained that Pakistan’s armed forces had the capability to counter threats originating from Afghanistan, including drone attacks.