Afghan Taliban Will Pay a Heavy Price if They Do Not Stop Supporting Terrorism: DG ISPR
Sajid Ali
Published November 01, 2026 | 06:42 PM
India is the biggest sponsor of terrorism against Pakistan in the region, while the Afghan Taliban regime is effectively operating as an Indian proxy, according to Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
In an exclusive interview with Reuters, he discussed the regional security situation, highlighting India's role in fostering terrorism against Pakistan. He stated that the Afghan Taliban, based in Afghanistan, are using non-state actors and mercenaries to pursue their objectives, including banned groups like the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Burhan-i-Mille (BLA), along with groups like Fitna al-Khawarij.
He emphasized that Afghanistan remains under the influence of these non-state actors, with an interim regime in place, creating a tense situation. Following the Soviet intervention, foreign intelligence agencies and proxy groups established a strong presence in Afghanistan, leading to the growth of international terrorist networks like Jaish al-Adl, al-Qaeda, and Islamic State Khorasan.
Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif recalled United Nations and US reports confirming these concerns. He demanded that the Afghan Taliban end their support for terrorists and masterminds like Noor Wali Mehsud, Bashir Zeb, and Gul Bahadur. He cited the formation of terrorist groups on Afghan soil for subversive activities against Pakistan, with weapons and explosives supplied from there.
He warned that if the Afghan interim government ignores Pakistan's security concerns, the consequences will be severe. With no diplomatic or legal standing, the Afghan Taliban must be held accountable by the international community, which should increase pressure on Afghan authorities to combat drug cultivation, processing, and smuggling.