In September 2021, as the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan after the sudden pullout of US troops in August, then ISI chief general Faiz Hameed had visited Kabul and was photographed enjoying tea, during which he assured a journalist that “everything will be fine” — a pivotal point in Pakistan’s military and intelligence strategy towards Afghanistan.
“The country is paying a price for that cup of tea in Afghanistan,” said Dar, without naming Hameed.
The deputy PM further said that the decision by the general to release some militants was the reason behind increased attacks across Pakistan. “Those released at that time are masterminding terrorism in Balochistan today,” he said, indicating there is a widely held belief that the decisions made by military leaders during this period were not only misguided but have also contributed to the current instability in Pakistan.
Dar, who also holds the foreign affairs portfolio, made the remÂaÂrks during a press conference at the Pakistan High CommiÂssÂiÂon in London.
‘Missteps by Imran Khan govt’
Stating that the 2021 visit to Kabul could not have happened without the permission of former PM Imran Khan, Dar hit out at the “mistakes” made by the ousted leader, particularly in relation to economic and security decisions, and linked the former administration’s “missteps” to the current rise in terrorism and economic challenges.
“I find it difficult to accept that he [Hameed] could have gone without the permission of the prime minister [Imran Khan]. We are working with the security establishment on issues today, these things are not possible without the PM’s approval,” said Dar.
After criticising military officials of the “past”, Dar was quick to praise the currÂent military establishmÂent.
“They cannot be praised enÂoÂugh as its members are very professional. Their agenda is Pakistan, as is ours. This is a very good omen. They are not interested in who comes in government or opposition,” he said.
Strategy backfires
The Taliban’s rise to power was initially seen by some in Pakistan as a potential boon, with expectations that the group would help curb the activities of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a militant group that has long posed a threat to the Pakistani state.
However, the reality has proven to be quite different, with the TTP intensifying its attacks since the Taliban’s takeover, undermining the very stability that Pakistan hoped to achieve through its support of the Taliban.
The situation in Balochistan is particularly alarming. The province has witnessed a significant uptick in violence, with attacks attributed to both the TTP and other militant groups.
The Pakistani military’s response has included increased operations against these groups, but the effectiveness of these measures remains in question. Dar’s comments suggest a recognition that past decisions, particularly those made by military leaders like Hameed, have directly contributed to the current security crisis.
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