Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar has directly implicated former ISI Director General Lieutenant General (retd) Faiz Hameed in the worsening border relations with Afghanistan. Dar cited Hameed’s 2021 visit to Kabul, and a photograph of him sharing tea with Taliban leaders, as a pivotal moment that incurred significant costs for Islamabad. Speaking in the Senate, Dar described the incident as a ‘big mistake’ that has had serious repercussions for national security.
Dar’s remarks suggest a political divergence regarding Pakistan’s strategy towards Afghanistan following the Taliban’s return to power. He voiced concerns about the emboldened presence of militant groups, including the TTP, Fitna al-Khawarij, and BLA, operating from Afghan soil. These accusations follow recent escalations, including Pakistani airstrikes and subsequent retaliatory actions by the Taliban along the contested Durand Line. The Taliban administration has refuted claims that it permits the use of Afghan territory for cross-border terrorism. Meanwhile, diplomatic initiatives, spearheaded by Qatar and Türkiye, are continuing in an attempt to broker peace and establish mechanisms for monitoring and enforcing a ceasefire.