A senior Pakistani official has linked recent border clashes with Afghanistan to a past diplomatic engagement involving the former head of the powerful Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has publicly stated that the 2021 visit of Lieutenant General (retd) Faiz Hameed to Kabul, and specifically his interactions with Taliban figures, proved detrimental to Pakistan’s interests. Dar referred to Hameed’s widely publicized tea meeting with Taliban leaders as a ‘costly’ action that should not be repeated.
Dar’s commentary, made in the Senate, implies a critique of the previous government’s foreign policy and its handling of the Afghan situation post-Taliban takeover. He elaborated on the deteriorating security landscape, alleging that Pakistan is now contending with an increased threat from militant factions like the TTP, Fitna al-Khawarij, and BLA, which he claims are operating with impunity from Afghanistan. This statement comes in the wake of significant military confrontations along the Durand Line, initiated by Pakistani airstrikes against TTP sanctuaries. The Taliban have consistently denied enabling the use of their territory for attacks against neighboring countries. International mediation efforts, involving Qatar and Türkiye, are underway to de-escalate tensions and secure a lasting peace agreement.