Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Chairman and former Prime Minister Imran Khan recently criticized the security forces and intelligence agencies of Pakistan for the increasing cases of terrorism in the country. In a recent interview with Voice of America English, Khan was asked if he still supports the decision to negotiate with the banned group Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
Khan explained that his government had faced a difficult decision and ultimately decided to try to resettle the TTP and their families, with the support of politicians, security forces, and the TTP themselves. However, he added that after his government was removed from power, the new government lost focus on the issue and failed to keep an eye on the TTP regrouping. He questioned where the security forces and intelligence agencies were during this process and asked how his government could be held responsible for their negligence.
The law and order situation in Pakistan has significantly declined in recent months, with terrorist groups conducting attacks across the country. Since the negotiations with TTP broke down in November, the group has increased its attacks, particularly targeting the police in KP and areas bordering Afghanistan. Balochistan has also seen a rise in violent activities and a formalized relationship between the TTP and local insurgents.
The most recent attack, in which over 80 people died in a suicide bombing at a mosque in Peshawar’s Police Lines, has sparked discussions on the cause of the rise in terrorism. The current government has blamed the PTI and Khan’s decision to negotiate with the militants, calling it “faulty” and not endorsed by parliament.
Khan emphasized the importance of getting Afghanistan to work with Pakistan in addressing terrorism and discussed the need for a good relationship with the government in Kabul. He also criticized the current Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari for not having paid a visit to Afghanistan.
When talking about his relationship with former army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Khan stated that his government and the military were on the same page and worked well together, even during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, he criticized Bajwa for allegedly favoring corrupt individuals and not considering corruption a major issue. He claimed that Bajwa had a close relationship with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and was a conspirator in the regime change.
