DID Press: Former head of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) has acknowledged that the formation of Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) was a direct outcome of military policies during Pervez Musharraf’s tenure.
General Asad Durrani, speaking in a recent social media post, recalled the deployment of army forces to the tribal regions of Waziristan. He said: “You may remember that when Musharraf sent troops to Waziristan, we, who were in charge at the time, opposed the deployment without the consent of the tribes, as these areas had longstanding agreements with the central government. Once this action occurred, the Taliban formed in retaliation.”
“Despite the adverse outcomes, there was no better option. The government of Pakistan decided to stand alongside the Afghan resistance, and if necessary, I apologize,” Durrani added, acknowledging the negative consequences of that policy.
He emphasized that Islamabad’s aim at the time was not to promote any specific ideology, but to assist in liberating Afghanistan from foreign occupation, viewing Afghan stability as vital to Pakistan’s security.
This follows statements made days earlier by Pakistan’s Defense Minister, Khawaja Muhammad Asif, in an interview with AAJ News, confirming that the Taliban were created and supported by Pakistan.
“The Taliban were our own creation. During our close ties with the U.S., we nurtured them, but today they have become an unreliable group,” Khawaja Asif said.
He added that Pakistan previously sheltered, trained, and supported the Taliban, but now that policy has become a serious threat to the country’s national security.