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Kabul: Pakistan’s Special Representative on Afghanistan, Asif Ali Durrani, expressed concern over the 60% surge in TTP attacks within Pakistan over the past two years, attributing this rise to Afghanistan-based origins since the political reversal in Kabul. Addressing a seminar on ‘The Challenge of Cross-Border Terrorism’ hosted by the Institute of Regional Studies (IRS), Durrani remarked on the complexity of achieving peace in Afghanistan and advocated for managing relations with Afghanistan accordingly. Highlighting Indian involvement in supporting terrorism, he accused India of funding the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) through Afghan proxies, a practice he claimed had persisted since the Karzai government era.
Former National Security Advisor (NSA) retired Lt-Gen Nasir Khan Janjua proposed engaging with the Afghan government as the way forward in tackling cross-border terrorism, particularly the TTP. Janjua stressed the importance of broadening perspectives on Afghanistan beyond the TTP issue to foster regional development partnerships. He also urged viewing the cross-border terrorism threat within a wider context, rooted in conflicting ideologies and state alliances with insurgent groups.
Renowned author and journalist Zahid Hussain remarked on the predictable yet unprepared nature of events following the Taliban’s resurgence, noting the TTP’s inability to operate in Afghanistan without support from the Afghan Taliban. Hussain criticized the state’s disjointed approach to countering terrorism, emphasizing the necessity for clear policy direction towards the TTP, as simultaneous fighting and negotiation strategies are incompatible.
