Pakistan Seeks to Counter India's Alleged TTP Links Amid Regional Diplomacy Efforts

Strategic Insights -

Sardar Masood Khan, the former President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, has alleged that India is providing support to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), with the aim of destabilizing Pakistan and undermining its relations with Afghanistan. He emphasized that eliminating terrorism and dismantling TTP sanctuaries on Afghan soil remains Pakistan's top security priority. Despite diplomatic efforts, Khan warned that modern arms left behind by the US in Afghanistan are being used against Pakistan by terrorist groups.

Key Takeaways:

  • Sardar Masood Khan, former President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, accused India of backing the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) to destabilize Pakistan and undermine its relations with Afghanistan.
  • Khan stated that eliminating terrorism and dismantling TTP sanctuaries on Afghan soil remains Pakistan's foremost security priority.
  • The Taliban administration in Kabul has assured Pakistan over the past two years that Afghan territory will not be allowed to harbor TTP or other militant groups.
  • Beijing's mediation has improved ties between Pakistan and Afghanistan, including the TAPI gas pipeline, and enhanced transit trade.
  • A possible meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in September could carry "extraordinary significance."
  • Khan warned that modern weapons worth $7.5 billion, left behind after the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, have fallen into the hands of terrorist groups and are being used against Pakistan.
  • The former President recalled that the US had floated Qatar and Nordic countries as potential venues for dialogue between Pakistan and India.

Statistics:

  • $7.5 billion: The value of modern weapons left behind in Afghanistan by the US withdrawal, which have been seized by terrorist groups.
  • Two years: The time period mentioned by Khan for the Taliban administration's assurances to Pakistan regarding not allowing its territory to harbor TTP or other militant groups.
  • 2022 (or 2023, no specific date mentioned): The year the US withdrew from Afghanistan, leaving behind the aforementioned modern arms.
  • Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit: To be held in September, where a possible meeting between Pakistani and Indian leaders may take place.

Sources:

  • [Private television channel interview with Sardar Masood Khan]
  • [official news article from Islamabad]