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

Islamabad: Pakistan’s Defense Minister, Khawaja Asif, revealed on Wednesday that the Afghan Taliban requested 10 billion Pakistani rupees ($35.93 million) to relocate members of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) from border areas to other parts of Afghanistan. This demand underscores the Taliban’s apparent disregard for regional stability and their failure to provide assurances against the TTP’s return to Pakistan, raising serious concerns about their intentions.

Speaking to Geo News, Mr. Asif disclosed that Pakistan agreed to the demand of the Taliban on the condition that they provide guarantees ensuring the relocated TTP fighters would not return to Pakistan. However, the Taliban have yet to respond positively to this critical condition.

“In this meeting, Mullah Yaqoob, Amir Khan Muttaqi, Sirajuddin Haqqani, and Mullah Shireen were present,” Mr. Asif said, referencing his February 2023 visit to Kabul. “I told them that if the TTP is not stopped, we will have to take action, and they should not complain afterward. You say they will be moved to western provinces, but what guarantees are there that they won’t come back?”

Also See: Selective Accountability: The TTP and its Refugee Reality

Pakistan Refers to Waziristan Refugees as TTP

Tensions escalated nearly two weeks ago when Pakistan conducted an airstrike in Afghanistan’s Paktika province. The Taliban reported 46 casualties, claiming the strike targeted a camp for Waziristani refugees in the Barmal district. However, Pakistani authorities referred to those at the camp as TTP terrorists, with local media asserting that around 70 TTP members were killed in the strike.

This development reflects Pakistan’s long-standing position that many so-called Waziristan refugees in Afghanistan are, in fact, affiliated with the TTP, a group responsible for numerous deadly attacks on Pakistan’s military and security forces.

Taliban’s Actions Undermine Regional Security

The Afghan Taliban’s demand for financial compensation to relocate TTP fighters has drawn sharp criticism. By failing to provide guarantees that the militants would not return, the Taliban expose their double standards—portraying themselves as a legitimate government while shielding extremist elements.

Instead of dismantling TTP networks, the Afghan Taliban seem to be monetizing the presence of terrorists. This behavior not only compromises Pakistan’s security but also betrays the Afghan Taliban’s own promises of maintaining peace in Afghanistan.

Rising Concerns over TTP Presence

A United Nations monitoring report estimates that around 6,000 TTP fighters are currently based in Afghanistan. Pakistan has repeatedly accused the Taliban of providing support to the TTP, allegations the Taliban deny. However, hosting and enabling the TTP indicates the Taliban’s tacit approval of cross-border violence, undermining international efforts to combat terrorism.

The Taliban’s refusal to address these issues highlights a self-serving agenda that continues to destabilize the region, jeopardizing both Pakistan’s security and broader peace efforts.

News Desk

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