RASC News Agency: In the aftermath of escalating border tensions between Taliban forces and Pakistani border guards, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister has reiterated that the Taliban’s ascension in Afghanistan facilitated the return of 30,000 to 40,000 militants from the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) to Pakistani territory. Ishaq Dar, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister, revealed that thousands of militants, who had previously sought refuge in Afghanistan and refrained from attacks on Pakistani soil, have crossed back into the country following the Taliban’s takeover.
During a press conference, Dar remarked, “Since the reopening of borders, approximately 30,000 to 40,000 TTP members have re-entered Pakistan from Afghanistan.” He elaborated that these militants have orchestrated numerous attacks, targeting both Pakistan’s military and civilians through armed assaults and bombings. Dar also took a veiled swipe at General Faiz Hameed, Pakistan’s former intelligence chief, referencing his high-profile visit to Kabul three years ago. Sarcastically, he asked, “Who reopened the borders to terrorists over a mere cup of tea?”
The minister lamented that the “festering wound of terrorism” has been reignited in Pakistan, a wound that had been showing signs of recovery prior to this resurgence. Previously, Dar had openly criticized Hameed, accusing him of failing to safeguard Pakistan’s interests during his Kabul visit. In a pointed remark during a meeting in London, he had said that “a single cup of tea” could not resolve Islamabad’s security dilemmas.
Tensions between Pakistan and the Taliban have surged in recent weeks. In the latest development, Pakistani forces launched an assault on the Barmal District of Afghanistan’s Paktika Province, resulting in over 45 fatalities.
