Amid Security Woes In Balochistan, Pakistan Govt Blames Pricey 'Kabul Tea' For Surge In Terrorism

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar on Saturday slammed the previous Imran Khan government for its security failures, saying that missteps linked to the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan have contributed to the surge in terrorism in Balochistan.

During a press conference at the country’s High Commission in London, Dar referred to a “three-star general who went to Kabul to have a cup of tea” in 2021. The deputy PM, who is also Pakistan’s foreign minister, referred to former ISI chief Lt Gen Faiz Hameed’s visit to Kabul weeks after the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan.

‘A Cup Of Tea’ In Kabul

Dar claimed that the “militants” released at that time to support the Taliban’s offensive against the US-backed Ashraf Ghani government are now “masterminding terrorism in Balochistan.” The minister was quoted by Dawn newspaper as saying, “The country is paying a price for that cup of tea.” His rebuke came as at least 50 people, including 14 Pakistani security personnel, were killed in terror attacks across the province in the last couple of weeks.

Balochistan is home to a long-running violent insurgency, which has steadily increased in the past three years since the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in 2021. The province faces a double threat by the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and Baloch militants. Baloch insurgent groups have previously carried out several attacks targeting the USD 60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects. Last month’s terror attacks in the restive province once again brought the issue of militancy to the forefront.

‘Not possible Without PM’s approval’

When asked if Lt Gen Hameed had permission from then-PM Imran Khan for the Kabul visit, Dar said, “I find it difficult to accept that he could have gone without the permission of the prime minister. We are working with the security establishment on issues today, these things are not possible without the prime minister’s approval.”

This rebuke came days after court martial proceedings against retired Lt Gen Faiz Hameed were initiated following a detailed probe. During a press conference in Rawalpindi on Thursday, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said the Pakistan Army had no political agenda as it believed in self-accountability.