By TV84.pk News Desk | September 23, 2025
ISLAMABAD – A shocking revelation has emerged from Pakistani authorities: 70% of terrorists involved in recent attacks by the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) are Afghan nationals, a dramatic increase from the 5–10% seen in previous years, sources told TV84.pk on Monday. This was disclosed by Pakistan’s Special Representative on Afghanistan, Ambassador Muhammad Sadiq, during a closed-door meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Dushanbe.
The disclosure prompted Iran’s representative to echo similar concerns, noting that 16 out of 18 attackers in a recent Chabahar port assault were Afghan nationals. This growing Afghan footprint in cross-border terrorism has sparked alarm in Islamabad, signaling a dangerous new trend.
Rising TTP Threat from Afghanistan
The surge in Afghan nationals’ involvement highlights the Afghan Taliban’s failure—or unwillingness—to curb TTP’s use of Afghan soil for attacks against Pakistan. Pakistan has long accused the Taliban of sheltering TTP leaders and fighters in provinces like Khost and Kunar, a claim Kabul denies. However, recent deadly attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, directly linked to Afghan-based militants, have intensified tensions.
Data from the Pakistan Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS) shows a 60% spike in TTP-claimed attacks in 2024, with over 500 fatalities compared to 220 in 2020. The TTP, with an estimated 30,000–35,000 fighters, continues to exploit Afghanistan’s fragile security landscape, acquiring advanced weaponry like M24 sniper rifles from looted Afghan bases.
Diplomatic Push to Counter TTP
In response, Pakistan is ramping up diplomatic efforts. Ambassador Sadiq is set to visit Tehran and Moscow to rally regional support against the Taliban’s inaction. This outreach aims to build a consensus within the SCO to pressure Kabul into dismantling TTP safe havens. Both Iran and Russia share Pakistan’s concerns about extremist groups exploiting Afghanistan.
A Growing Flashpoint
The rising involvement of Afghan nationals in TTP attacks complicates Pakistan’s border security and strains ties with Kabul. Without tangible action from the Taliban, officials fear this trend could escalate into a major crisis. “The Afghan Taliban must act decisively, or the situation will spiral,” a senior Pakistani official warned.
Stay tuned to TV84.pk for the latest updates on this developing story.
