Amid Security Failure In Balochistan, Pakistan’s Deputy PM Blames Ex-Spymaster’s ‘Cup Of

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar on Saturday slammed the previous Imran Khan government for its security failures, asserting that the missteps, including those linked to the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, have contributed to the surge in terrorism in Balochistan province.

During a press conference at the country’s High Commission in London, Dar referred to a “three-star general who went to Kabul to have a cup of tea” in 2021, vaguely referring to former ISI chief Lt Gen Faiz Hameed’s visit to the Afghan capital weeks after the Taliban takeover.

‘A Cup Of Tea’ In Kabul

Dar, who is also Pakistan’s foreign minister, claimed that the militants released at that time are now “masterminding terrorism in Balochistan,” and that “the country is paying a price for that cup of tea in Afghanistan.” The minister’s rebuke came as at least 50 people, including 14 security men, were killed in terror attacks across the province in the last couple of weeks.

Balochistan is home to a long-running violent insurgency. The province faces a double threat by the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and Baloch militants. Baloch insurgent groups have previously carried out several attacks targeting the USD 60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects. Last month’s terror attacks in the restive province once again brought the issue of militancy to the forefront.

‘Not possible PM’s approval’

When asked if Lt Gen Hameed had permission from then-PM Imran Khan for the Kabul visit, Dar said, “I find it difficult to accept that he could have gone without the permission of the prime minister. We are working with the security establishment on issues today, these things are not possible without the prime minister’s approval.”

This rebuke came days after court martial proceedings against retired Lt Gen Faiz Hameed were initiated following a detailed probe. During a press conference in Rawalpindi on Thursday, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said the Pakistan Army had no political agenda as it believed in self-accountability.