In a press conference held at the Pakistan High Commission in London,Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, who also holds the foreign affairsportfolio, criticized the economic and security decisions made by theprevious Imran Khan government. He attributed the current rise in terrorismand economic challenges to what he described as the “missteps” of theformer administration. Dar’s remarks centered on the perceived mistakesmade during Khan’s tenure and their long-term impact on the country’scurrent situation.
During the event, Mr. Dar addressed various topics, including UK-Pakistanrelations, the political situation in Pakistan, and the country’s securityissues. Although he expressed regret over the errors made by pastgovernments and military officials, he remained optimistic about Pakistan’sfuture, projecting confidence in the country’s ability to overcome itschallenges.
Mr. Dar had arrived in London on an official visit, during which he metmembers of the British government and the Pakistani diaspora. He describedthe trip as “useful, busy, and fruitful.” However, the most significantpart of his statements was an indirect reference to a “three-star general”who had visited Kabul in 2021. He linked decisions made by the formerspymaster, Lt Gen Faiz Hameed, to the resurgence of terrorism in Pakistan,particularly in Balochistan.
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According to Dar, militants released during that time are now responsiblefor the increase in terrorist activities. Without directly naming GenHameed, Dar pointed to the general’s Kabul visit, where he was famouslyphotographed having a cup of tea, implying that the consequences of thatvisit are still being felt. Dar remarked, “The country is paying a pricefor that cup of tea in Afghanistan,” highlighting the long-term effects ofthose actions.