ISLAMABAD: Defense Minister Khawaja Asif revealed on Tuesday that Afghan nationals serving in the army, including two in officer ranks, were among those expelled from the country as part of its crackdown on illegal immigrants.
Referring to terrorists linked to the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in Afghanistan, Asif said the vast majority reside in Afghanistan, while 3,000 to 4,000 militants were brought to Pakistan for “resettlement” during Tehreek-e Pakistan’s rule -Insaf. (PTI). “We have also informed the National Assembly about the issue.
In an interview to a private TV channel, he claimed that there has been no further influx from Afghanistan at the state level, however, there have been infiltration attempts by militants from time to time.
Highlighting the porous nature of the Pak-Afghan border, the defense minister highlighted how easily individuals can cross into Pakistani territory, obtain legal documentation and even be recruited into the armed forces.
“As defense minister, I signed two or three files in which Afghan recruits were released, one of them was a captain and one was a lieutenant.”
The defense minister also recounted the event – where, through a letter – the soldier’s father admitted his Afghan citizenship and extended stay in Pakistan, including ownership of property and business in Quetta. Despite his strong ties to the country, the individual was forced to leave, Asif said.
Read Pakistan targets TTP hideouts inside Afghanistan
The minister stressed the need to address the issue in cooperation with the Afghan government, citing a visit to the country’s western neighbor by the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) government during its tenure, where the involvement of Afghan citizens in terrorist attacks in Pakistan was discussed. and evidence was presented.
Tensions rose between Islamabad and Kabul on Monday following overnight airstrikes by the Pakistani air force. Pakistan said the attack targeted armed groups hiding in border areas. The Taliban claimed eight women and children were killed in the attacks, which came just days after a militant attack killed seven soldiers, including two officers. .
The Afghan Interim Government claimed that the PAF aircraft hit the houses of “ordinary people” in Paktika and Khost provinces.
“The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, which has many years of experience in fighting freely against the world’s superpowers, does not allow anyone to invade its territory,” Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid said in a published statement.
Afghan nationals in Army were dismissed, reveals defence minister
