Afghan Taliban regime hiding militants in government buildings, says ISPR chief

ISLAMABAD: Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry has accused the Afghan Taliban regime of sheltering militants inside government buildings, making a significant assertion regarding cross-border security concerns.

The military's spokesperson stated that the Afghan Taliban government has been hiding militants in official government structures. The statement marks a notable escalation in Pakistan's public messaging regarding the role of the Afghan Taliban authorities in harbouring elements that pose a security threat to Pakistan.

Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry's remarks come amid ongoing tensions between Islamabad and Kabul over the issue of cross-border militancy. Pakistan has repeatedly raised concerns about the presence of militant groups, particularly the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), on Afghan soil and has called on the Afghan Taliban administration to take action against such elements.

The ISPR director general's appearance on the talk show and his direct accusation against the Afghan Taliban regime of concealing militants within government premises represents a pointed public statement from Pakistan's military establishment on the matter.

Pakistan's security forces have been engaged in extensive counter-terrorism operations, and officials have frequently pointed to the Afghan border region as a source of militant infiltration. The military leadership has on multiple occasions highlighted the need for the Afghan Taliban government to fulfil its commitments regarding not allowing its territory to be used against neighbouring countries.

The DG ISPR's statement underscores the gravity of the situation as perceived by Pakistan's military leadership, which has been vocal about the security challenges emanating from across the western border. The accusation of militants being housed in government buildings suggests that Pakistan views the Afghan Taliban administration as being directly complicit rather than merely failing to act against militant groups operating from Afghan territory.

Relations between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban government have seen periodic strain over the issue of militancy, with both sides exchanging accusations at various points. Pakistan has maintained that it expects the Afghan authorities to deny safe havens to groups targeting Pakistani citizens and security forces.