Talal Says Terror Groups Operating From Afghanistan To Target Pakistan, Questions KP Govt Counter-terrorism Role
ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 28th Sep, 2026) Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry stated that Pakistan is facing continued threats from terrorist groups operating from Afghanistan and questioned the role of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government in supporting counter-terrorism efforts.
Referring to a recent terrorist incident that resulted in the loss of civilians' lives, including women and children, Talal Chaudhry noted that such attacks follow a familiar pattern. He explained that terrorist groups supported through networks operating from Pakistan's eastern and western borders release videos, photographs, and statements on social media after attacks to spread fear and publicize their activities.
Speaking at a press conference, he revealed that one terrorist's photograph, examined through Pakistan's identification systems like NADRA records, showed no identification or registration. Authorities subsequently utilized Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) tools to trace additional information and photographs. The terrorist, reportedly known by the name "Qari" (an alias), was found to be an Afghan national, as around 70% of such groups over the last two and a half to three years have included Afghan nationals, according to Chaudhry.
Pakistan, he stressed, has repeatedly informed international and bilateral forums about these incidents, but the activity continues. He condemned the killing of innocent civilians, including women and children, as not being part of jihad and highlighted the killing of two rescue workers who were killed after reaching the scene of a terrorist incident, emphasizing that unarmed rescue personnel are not normally targeted during conflicts.
Chaudhry accused militants of using terrorism to destabilize Pakistan, claiming that attacks increase whenever the country makes economic and political progress. He alleged that militants receive financial support for their activities and pointed to Afghanistan as a key proxy in these efforts.
He also criticized the KP government's response to terrorism, questioning why Afghanistan was not condemned after recent incidents and why provincial leaders avoided directly naming those responsible. According to Talal Chaudhry, political leadership can contribute through leadership, resources, and authority, but the KP government has failed to provide all three. He questioned the use of funds received under the NFC award, including an estimated Rs800 billion allocated for security-related needs, stating that the province has not adequately supported security forces over the past 14 years.