Pakistan deputy PM blames previous govt’s ‘security lapses’ for Balochistan terror surge.
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has slammed the erstwhile Imran Khan administration over its “security failures” that contributed to rising terrorism in Balochistan.
Addressing a press conference in London, Dar referred to a “three-star general’s visit to Kabul last year for a cup of tea”. He was referring to then ISI chief Lt Gen Faiz Hameed’s trip to Kabul weeks after the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan.
The minister claimed militants released then to aid the Taliban offensive are now orchestrating attacks in Balochistan. “The country is paying a price for that cup of tea,” Dar said.
His remarks came as over 50 people, including 14 security personnel, were killed in recent Balochistan terror strikes. The province faces a double threat from the TTP and Baloch insurgent groups targeting CPEC projects.
When asked if Hameed had Imran Khan’s permission for the Kabul visit, Dar said it was difficult to believe the general went without the PM’s nod. His criticism followed court martial proceedings against the retired Lt Gen.
Balochistan has seen heightened violence since the Taliban takeover. The deputy PM pinned the surgeon’s alleged security lapses on the previous Pakistan government.
