Pakistan’s special envoy for Afghanistan, Asif Ali Durrani, has alleged that his country possesses evidence indicating the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) is financed via “Afghan proxies” by India. Durrani also claimed that Afghanistan shelters between 5,000 and 6,000 TTP militants.
Including their families, the total associated with the TTP rises to approximately 70,000, according to Durrani’s statement during a discussion on the Afghan peace process in Islamabad, hosted by the Dawn News Agency.
The dialogue titled “Afghan peace and reconciliation: Pakistan’s interests and policy options” marks the 12th session organized by the Pakistan Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS), as reported by Dawn.
Durrani highlighted the failed peace negotiations between the Pakistan government and the TTP, noting the group’s refusal to surrender or pledge allegiance to the Pakistan Constitution. He suggested that the Taliban’s inability to cover the daily expenses of such a large contingent implies external financial support, specifically criticizing the TTP’s unwillingness to be held accountable for its actions, including the attack on the Army Public School in Peshawar.
Describing the TTP as Pakistan’s “red line,” Durrani recounted Islamabad’s demands during discussions with the Taliban to disarm the TTP, detain its leaders, and ensure the group’s surrender.
Furthermore, addressing border management issues between Afghanistan and Pakistan, Durrani emphasized the need for a unified document regime at all crossing points with Afghanistan.
Taliban has rejected previous statements by Pakistani officials on TTP presence in Afghanistan.
