On Thursday, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif accused former military officials and ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan of facilitating the resettlement of Taliban militants in Pakistan, a move he claimed has significantly worsened the nation’s security situation.
Speaking to journalists in Islamabad, Asif alleged that former Army Chief General (retired) Qamar Javed Bajwa, former ISI head General (retired) Faiz Hameed, and Imran Khan collectively made the decision to allow Taliban fighters to return to Pakistan. He asserted that this decision has led to a surge in terrorist activities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) and other regions of the country.
“This was a joint decision… all three were involved in enabling militants to re-enter Pakistan,” Asif stated, noting that his position on the matter is documented in the National Assembly records.
Asif also criticized the PTI-led government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for failing to take decisive action against terrorism, accusing it of prioritizing political conflicts over the safety and security of its citizens. “The K-P government is more focused on fighting Imran Khan’s political battles than addressing the terrorism crisis. They must be held accountable for the deteriorating security situation,” he added.
The Defence Minister rejected calls from opposition parties for political reconciliation, arguing that repeated violent attacks have made dialogue impossible. “How can there be reconciliation when they have attacked the state four times and are threatening further violence after Eid?” Asif questioned. “The only option left is resistance politics.”
Asif also pointed to the influx of US military equipment left behind in Afghanistan after the 2021 withdrawal as a major factor contributing to the rise in militant activity in Pakistan. He described these leftover weapons as a significant challenge to the country’s security.
Additionally, Asif defended Pakistan’s decision to extradite a wanted terrorist to the United States, emphasizing that Pakistan remains committed to combating terrorism and continues to play a leading role in the global fight against extremism.
