In response to the recent statements made by the representative of Pakistan at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has strongly denied the allegations and accused the Pak establishment of making false claims.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UN, Munir Akram called for a UN investigation into how the TTP acquired modern military equipment and the sources of its financial backing, sustaining an estimated 50,000 fighters. This request followed Akram’s December 2023 call for an investigation into the TTP’s access to advanced weaponry in Afghanistan, amidst attacks on electoral campaigns in Pakistan especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Pak-occupied-Balochistan.
During this period, attacks on electoral candidates, political gatherings, and security forces occurred, including a major attack in Dera Ismail Khan in December 2023 where 23 Pak Army personnel were killed, claimed by Tehreek-e-Jihad Pakistan.
Akram had said, “I am confident that this Council will join Pakistan in demanding that the Afghan Taliban terminate its relationship with the TTP and its affiliates and prevent them from having free rein to conduct cross-border attacks against Pakistan or other neighbors.”
TTP dismisses claims
In a statement from TTP spokesperson Muhammad Khurasani, the militant group dismissed these accusations as “baseless tomfoolery” and accused the UNSC of being biased. Khurasani reiterated the TTP’s position, stating that their actions were focused on promoting religious values within Pakistan and denying any foreign agenda. The group emphasized their commitment to what they called a “blessed Jihad,” asserting that their financial needs were met through the support and sacrifices of their “valiant nation.”
Regarding the acquisition of modern weaponry, the TTP spokesperson claimed that a significant portion of their weapons came from a black market within Pakistan. They alleged the involvement of military generals in this illegal trade, specifically pointing to the theft and sale of American weapons intended for Afghanistan.
The statement concluded with a challenge to the UNSC, urging an investigation into the alleged role of Pakistan Army generals in the arms black market. The TTP warned that they would not hesitate to provide further details on this matter when the time was right.