In an effort to safeguard Pakistani citizens from cross-border threats,authorities have opted to emphasize the involvement of Afghan nationals inactivities such as extortion within the country, according to a seniorofficial on Tuesday. This move aims to bring this issue to the attention ofthe interim Taliban government in Kabul.
Pakistani officials have previously raised concerns about the involvementof Afghans in terrorism, extortion, and other illicit activities with theneighboring government, urging them to take action.
During a press conference in Peshawar, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) ofCounter Terrorism Finance, Imran Shahid, stated that Pakistan has chosen toengage with the Taliban government on this matter. He noted thatauthorities have apprehended two extortionists who are affiliated with thebanned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a group Pakistan claims to havesafe havens in Afghanistan.
Imran Shahid identified the arrested individuals, Zaman Faiz andSaeedullah, as Afghan citizens. They were apprehended in Lahore, and theirmobile phones were seized.
These extortionists targeted businesspeople, politicians, and others, withvictims often refraining from reporting to local authorities out of fear.
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According to Shahid, “The arrested individuals operated in district Mohmandand had 71 other accomplices. This network even reached out to politicians,including a senator and a member of the provincial assembly, to demandextortion money.”
The CTD official disclosed that the arrested TTP members had created tenWhatsApp groups related to extortion.
Pakistan has expressed concerns that with the return of Taliban rule inAfghanistan, it has become a “safe haven” for TTP terrorists who continueto target military personnel.
