Pak Deputy PM Dar Blames Ex-ISI Chief's Pricey 'Kabul Tea' for Surge in Terrorism in Balochistan

Balochistan: Deputy Prime Minister of Pakistan Ishaq Dar slammed the previous government led by Imran Khan and former ISI Chief  Lt Gen Faiz Hameed for its failures and missteps that led to the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan contributing to the surge in terrorism in Balochistan.

Speaking at a press conference at the country’s High Commission in London on Saturday, Dar who is also the country's foreign minister said that the country is paying for the price of a "three-star general who went to Kabul to have a cup of tea," Dawn reported.

Referring to former ISDI chief Lt Gen Faiz Hameed's visit to Kabul weeks after the Taliban took over Afghanistan, Dar said, "The country is paying a price for that cup of tea."

He further claimed that the "militants" who were released at that time to support the Taliban’s offensive against the US-backed Ashraf Ghani government are the "masterminding terrorism in Balochistan."

Speaking further, the deputy PPM also questioned Imran Khan's involvement. Expressing scepticism, Dar said, "I find it difficult to accept that he could have gone without the prime minister’s permission."

His statement comes after at least 50 people, including 14 Pakistani security personnel, were killed in terror attacks across the province in the last few weeks.

However, addressing questions about Shehbaz SHarif's current stance, Dar praised the current military establishment, describing its members as highly trained and effective. He emphasised that the competence of the present military leadership in addressing the country’s security challenges.