Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Force, Asim Munir, said that most members of the banned outfit Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) who infiltrate Pakistan are Afghan nationals. According to Pakistan’s newspaper Dawn, Munir made these remarks during the National Ulema Conference on December 10, 2025. His statements were broadcast on television on Sunday.
'Choose Pakistan or TTP'
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In his speech, Munir said, “Over 70 percent of those infiltrating into Pakistan through TTP formations are Afghan nationals. While living in Afghanistan, they are bleeding our children. We want to make it clear to the Afghan Taliban that they have to choose between Pakistan and the TTP.”
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Munir calls TTP ‘Fitna al Khawarij’
According to ABC, the statement came amid rising tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Islamabad has repeatedly asked Kabul not to allow its soil to be used against Pakistan, but Kabul has refuted these claims. Munir termed the TTP as Fitna al Khawarij, saying that the outfit has become more active since the Taliban took over the reins of Afghanistan.
Double game on terror
The TTP is an outfit that Pakistan had once nurtured. During the 1990s, Islamabad used the Taliban as a proxy and provided them with weapons and ammunition. In an attempt to counter India, Pakistan tried to turn Afghanistan into its “strategic depth.” On one hand, it condemned terrorism, while on the other, it helped such groups grow.
Islamabad claims that the TTP wants to implement Islamic laws and Taliban-style rule in Pakistan, but the Taliban government has rejected these allegations. However, a United Nations report revealed that TTP members are living in Afghanistan and had seized weapons left behind by US troops.