Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar has accused the Taliban of including hundreds of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) supporters in their government. He emphasized Pakistan’s demand for action against the TTP, either by removing them from the border areas or handing them over to Pakistan.
In a press conference held in Islamabad on Saturday, 27, Ishaq Dar revealed that Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi informed him that the Taliban had established 700 border posts to prevent infiltration into Pakistan. However, Dar made it clear that Pakistan’s demand remains firm: “Either remove the TTP members from our borders or hand them over to us.”
Ishaq Dar further revealed that during a meeting with Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, he was informed that the Taliban had established 700 border posts to prevent infiltration into Pakistan. Despite this, Dar reiterated Islamabad’s stance on the issue, saying the government has been pressing for concrete measures to stop cross-border terrorism.
“The clear and specific demand from us is: Either remove the TTP members from our borders or hand them over to us,” Dar stated, emphasising the urgency of the matter. He added that this issue was raised in his recent discussions with Amir Khan Muttaqi, where he urged the Taliban to take the necessary steps to secure the Afghan section of the border.
During the conference, Dar also highlighted the importance of Afghanistan’s stability for Pakistan, pointing out the significant benefits that would come from the planned railway project linking Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan.
On the issue of alleged drone strikes, the Taliban confirmed that three people were killed and seven others wounded in Nangarhar and Khost provinces on Wednesday. They have blamed Pakistan for the attacks. Following the strikes, the Taliban summoned the Pakistani ambassador in Kabul and delivered a formal note of protest. However, Pakistan has not yet confirmed its involvement.
When questioned by reporters about whether Pakistan was responsible for the attacks, Dar declined to provide a definitive answer, stating: “I am still investigating, but they gave a letter to our ambassador. This issue needs investigation to understand why this happened. It is too early to say anything about this right now.”
Recently, the banned TTP, and Hafiz Gul Bahadur group were engaged in fierce fight after levelling serious allegations at one another, with reports the ongoing clash resulted in heavy losses from both sides.
