By Asghar Ali Mubarak
ISLAMABAD: Defense Minister Khawaja Asif revealed on Tuesday that Afghan nationals serving in the army, including two on officer ranks, were among those expelled from the country under its drive against illegal immigrants
Referring to terrorists affiliated with the outlawed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in Afghanistan, Asif said the vast majority reside in Afghanistan while 3,000-4,000 militants were brought to Pakistan for ‘resettlement’ during the government of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). “We also briefed the National Assembly on the issue.”
Speaking to a private TV channel, he maintained that there was no further influx from Afghanistan has occurred at the state level, however, infiltration attempts by militants occur from time to time.
The defence minister emphasized the porous nature of the Pak-Afghan border, highlighting the ease with which individuals can cross into Pakistani territory, obtain legal documentation, and even be recruited into the armed forces.
“As the minister of defence, I signed two or three files in which Afghan recruits were discharged, one of them was a captain and one was a lieutenant.”
The defence minister also narrated an event – where through a letter – a soldier’s father confessed his Afghan citizenship and prolonged residence in Pakistan, including property ownership and business ventures in Quetta. Despite his established ties to the country, the individual was compelled to leave, said Asif.
Stressing the need to address the issue collaboratively with the Afghan government, the minister cited a visit to the country’s western neighbour made by the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) government during its tenure, where the involvement of Afghan nationals in terrorist attacks in Pakistan was discussed and evidence was presented.
Tensions flared on Monday between Islamabad and Kabul following overnight raids by the Pakistan Air Force. Pakistan said the attack had targeted armed groups hiding out in border regions.
The Taliban claimed eight women and children were killed in the strikes which came mere days after a militant attack martyred seven soldiers including two officers. .
Afghanistan’s interim government claimed the PAF aircraft had hit the houses of “ordinary people” in Paktika and Khost provinces.
“The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, which has a long experience of freedom struggle against the superpowers of the world, does not allow anyone to invade its territory,” said Taliban spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid in a released a statement.
