Afghan Nationals Behind 70% of TTP Attacks in Pakistan, Says Report

Afghan Footprint Deepens as 70% of TTP Attacks in Pakistan Linked to Afghans ISLAMABAD – Pakistani authorities have revealed a sharp rise in Afghan involvement in terror activities, disclosing that 70% of militants behind recent Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) attacks were Afghan nationals. This marks a dramatic surge compared to just 5–10% in earlier years, according to sources familiar with a closed-door Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting in Dushanbe. The disclosure was made by Pakistan’s special representative on Afghanistan, Ambassador Muhammad Sadiq, who highlighted the disturbing trend. In response, Iran’s representative shared that Tehran faces a similar challenge, citing an incident at Chabahar port where 16 out of 18 attackers were Afghan nationals. Alarming Rise in Afghan Involvement The revelation has set off alarm bells in Islamabad, as the increased Afghan footprint in terrorism underscores what officials see as the Taliban government’s unwillingness—or inability—to prevent Afghan soil from being used by the TTP. Pakistan has long accused the Afghan Taliban of offering safe havens to TTP leaders and fighters. Despite repeated denials from Kabul, Islamabad insists that militant sanctuaries remain intact across the border. The situation worsened in recent weeks, with several deadly attacks in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa traced back to militants operating from Afghanistan. Officials fear this trend could further strain already fragile relations between the two neighbors. Pakistan Steps Up Diplomacy In response, Islamabad is stepping up its regional diplomacy. Sources confirmed that Ambassador Sadiq will soon visit Tehran and Moscow to discuss the issue, aiming to build a regional consensus against the use of Afghan territory for terrorism. Iran and Russia, both wary of extremist threats spilling out of Afghanistan, share Pakistan’s concerns. Observers note that if the Taliban leadership fails to take tangible action, Afghan-linked militancy could become a major flashpoint in Pakistan-Afghanistan relations. For Islamabad, the rise of Afghan nationals in TTP operations is not just a security concern but a diplomatic test, as it pressures Kabul to prove its commitment to regional stability.