The Islamic State-Khorasan Province (ISKP) is a dangerous group that grew as an offshoot of the more well-known ISIS. The sinister outfit, though internationally recognised as emanating from within Afghanistan, poses a threat that goes beyond the home country’s limits. Repeated, colourful and borderline delusional attempts to involve Pakistan in the story reaffirm that there’s as much fighting in the narrative as on the ground. However, propaganda efforts have only served to add to the controversies surrounding the ISKP.
ISKP came into existence in 2015 when disgruntled and defected local terrorists from various groups such as Al Qaeda, Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and Tehreek-e-Taliban Afghanistan (TTA) joined forces. Hafiz Saeed Khan, a former TTP commander, was appointed the first ISKP emir after he had fallen out with the notorious TTP. It is important to note here that a significant number of ISKP fighters are known ex-TTP/TTA militants with existing ties to their former organizations. Due to these past connections, people are forced to wonder whether Kabul is hiding its internal militancy position in Afghanistan by making up statements about the ISKP.
Contrary to what the IAG says it is not Pakistan but India, which is known to have supported ISKP. There is credible evidence of several Indians joining ISKP when it was formally launched in Afghanistan in 2015. The involvement of Indian nationals in ISKP activities has been evident, with instances such as the attack on Gurdwara Har Rai Sahib in Kabul. Indian media has also been implicated in furthering the propaganda against Pakistan through known terrorists, indicating a deeper agenda at play.
Pakistan has been at the receiving end of terrorist attacks orchestrated by both TTP and ISKP from their bases in Afghanistan.
The propagation of false allegations against Pakistan regarding ISKP’s presence is believed to serve as a diversion tactic by the interim government in Kabul and Taliban intelligence. It is suggested that these entities are attempting to deflect attention from the presence of TTP safe havens in Afghanistan and their inability to effectively counter the group.
Pakistan has been at the receiving end of terrorist attacks orchestrated by both TTP and ISKP from their bases in Afghanistan. The presence of these groups in Afghanistan has been widely acknowledged by international security organizations and corroborated by various reports. The connivance of these groups in cross-border attacks against Pakistan has further strained relations in the region.
The Doha agreement explicitly prohibits the existence of safe havens for terrorist groups in Afghanistan and the export of terrorism to other countries. However, reports indicate that the Afghan Taliban have failed to adhere to these provisions, thereby jeopardizing regional security. The violation of the agreement underscores the challenges in combating terrorism effectively.
Pakistan has maintained a staunch stance against anti-Pakistan terrorists operating from Afghanistan, regardless of their affiliation with TTP, ISKP, or any other extremist outfit. The government has reiterated its commitment to eradicating the menace of terrorism and ensuring the safety and security of its citizens.
The hollow propaganda surrounding ISKP’s alleged operations in Pakistan serves to distract from the real challenges posed by terrorist groups in the region. We need a strong response from the international community, which requires the courage to call out the truth as it is. All links of Indian lobbies should be pointed out with the same vigour used to make a case against Pakistan. It is, therefore, imperative for all stakeholders to work together to address the underlying issues. Of course, no solution can be fought with guns alone. Pakistan wants to put an end to terrorism in the region and only wishes to have the IAG onboard in its operations so that peace can return to the land. This pursuit is important for everyone in the area, not just the Pakistanis.
The writer is a freelance columnist.