Khawaja Asif says IEA Requested $35.93 Million to ‘Relocate’ TTP

Islamabad: Pakistan’s Defense Minister, Khawaja Asif, revealed that the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) has requested 10 billion Pakistani rupees ($35.93 million) to relocate members of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) from border areas to other regions within Afghanistan. This move has intensified concerns over the Islamic Emirate’s commitment to combating terrorism and ensuring regional stability.

During an interview with Geo News, Mr. Asif stated that Pakistan had agreed to consider the request on the condition that the IEA guarantees the TTP militants would not return to Pakistan after relocation. However, no assurances have been received from Kabul so far.

“In the meeting, leaders such as Mullah Yaqoob, Amir Khan Muttaqi, Sirajuddin Haqqani, and Mullah Shireen were present,” Mr. Asif said, referring to his February 2023 visit to Kabul. “I clearly told them that if the TTP threat is not addressed, Pakistan will have no choice but to act, and they should not raise objections afterward. While they proposed relocating the TTP to western provinces, I asked for guarantees that they wouldn’t return to threaten Pakistan.”

Also See: Pakistani Airstrikes Carried Out on TTP Camps in Afghanistan

Islamic Emirate Faces Criticism for Inaction

The Islamic Emirate’s reluctance to provide clear guarantees regarding the TTP has drawn significant criticism. By seeking financial compensation while failing to address Pakistan’s security concerns, the Islamic Emirate has exposed its double standards—projecting an image of governance while appearing to shelter extremist elements.

Instead of dismantling TTP networks, this approach raises questions about whether the Islamic Emirate is effectively monetizing the presence of terrorists. This behavior undermines international counterterrorism efforts and compromises Pakistan’s national security.

Waziristan Refugees or TTP Fighters?

Tensions reached new heights following a recent airstrike by Pakistan in Afghanistan’s Paktika province. While the Islamic Emirate reported 46 casualties and claimed the strike targeted a camp housing Waziristani refugees in Barmal district, Pakistani officials identified the individuals as TTP terrorists. Pakistani media reported that around 70 TTP members were eliminated in the operation.

This highlights a key contention in Pakistan-Afghanistan relations: Pakistan has long maintained that many Waziristani refugees in Afghanistan have affiliations with the TTP, a group responsible for numerous attacks on Pakistan’s security forces.

A Test for Regional Diplomacy

A United Nations monitoring report estimates that nearly 6,000 TTP fighters are based in Afghanistan. Pakistan has repeatedly accused the Islamic Emirate of harboring and enabling the group, claims that Kabul denies. Hosting and protecting the TTP not only jeopardizes Pakistan’s stability but also undermines the Islamic Emirate’s commitments to peace and counterterrorism.

The Islamic Emirate’s current stance is seen as a significant test of its ability to balance governance with its responsibilities to regional stability. Moving forward, addressing cross-border violence and ensuring transparent diplomacy will be key to fostering trust and cooperation between Pakistan and Afghanistan.