Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, the Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), has publicly accused the Afghan Taliban regime of providing sanctuary to militants within official government premises. Speaking in a detailed interview on a prominent current affairs program, he emphasized that Pakistan continues to wage a difficult and imposed war against terrorism, which has been fueled by external actors.
Expanding on his allegations, the ISPR chief revealed that the Taliban leadership in Kabul is not only harboring terrorists but also maintaining active connections with several extremist groups. He specifically mentioned the involvement of Hamza bin Laden, the son of the late al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, suggesting that the Taliban have invited him to Afghanistan. This claim underscores the deep-rooted ties between the Taliban and global jihadist networks, which have long posed a security threat to the region.
It is important to recall that Osama bin Laden was killed in a high-profile US Navy SEAL operation in Abbottabad, Pakistan, on May 2, 2011. Bin Laden was held responsible for orchestrating the devastating 9/11 attacks in the United States, which resulted in the deaths of over 3,000 people. The ISPR chief’s remarks highlight ongoing concerns about the resurgence of al-Qaeda-linked elements under Taliban protection.
Lieutenant General Chaudhry also addressed recent military operations conducted by Pakistan in Kabul, which targeted ammunition depots and drone storage facilities. He dismissed the Afghan regime’s claims of civilian casualties, asserting that the strikes were precise and based on verified intelligence. him, the targeted sites contained missiles and drones, and the resulting explosions caused visible fires that were witnessed by Kabul residents. He assured that Pakistan possesses concrete evidence, including footage, to substantiate these actions.
Moreover, the ISPR chief disclosed that drones used against Pakistan in recent attacks originated from India but were operated by the Afghan Taliban. This revelation adds another layer to the complex security dynamics in the region, where cross-border militant activities and proxy conflicts continue to escalate tensions between Pakistan, Afghanistan, and India.
Turning to domestic security challenges, Lieutenant General Chaudhry highlighted several recent terrorist incidents within Pakistan. He mentioned a deadly blast in a mosque located in Tarlai, which claimed the lives of worshippers and children, and noted that the attacker had crossed over from Afghanistan. Additionally, he pointed out that five militants involved in an assault on Wana Cadet College were Afghan nationals. These examples reinforce his argument that Pakistan’s military actions are targeted specifically at terrorists rather than civilians.
He further criticized the Afghan Taliban for spreading misinformation and retracting their statements online, describing their communication tactics as deceptive. The ISPR chief also shed light on the troubling trend of suicide attackers being under the influence of drugs, a factor that complicates counterterrorism efforts. He asserted that all drones entering Pakistani airspace from Afghanistan have been successfully intercepted, questioning the source of these unmanned aerial vehicles since Afghanistan lacks the capability to manufacture them.
Despite the ongoing hostilities, Lieutenant General Chaudhry reiterated Pakistan’s willingness to engage in dialogue with the Taliban. However, he expressed skepticism about the Taliban’s commitment to any agreements, pointing out the absence of reliable guarantees from their side. He stressed that Pakistan has consistently sought talks and participated in multiple forums to resolve issues peacefully but remains cautious given past experiences.
On the domestic front, the ISPR chief revealed that Pakistan is conducting over 200 counterterrorism operations daily, which have contributed to a noticeable decline in cross-border smuggling and militant activities. He concluded by urging the Afghan Taliban regime to make a definitive choice between supporting terrorism or pursuing peace. He challenged them to decide whether their allegiance lies with the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) or with fostering stable relations with Pakistan.
