The Tahreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has denied receiving any funding or training from Al-Qaeda and operating from Afghan soil. In a written message to religious scholars, national, and political leaders of Pakistan, Noor Wali Mehsud, the leader of the TTP, stated that they do not receive any foreign aid and do not have a foreign agenda.
No Need for Foreign Aid
Ksbul 24: Mehsud claimed that the TTP does not need foreign aid to carry out their operations and that their primary goal is to defend their nation from the oppression of generals and rulers. He emphasized that the group has fought a successful 20-year-long guerrilla campaign with the support and cooperation of their nation and has the capability to continue doing so for years to come.
Call for Investigation
The TTP leader asked Qatar and other Islamic countries to investigate whether they are terrorists and if war has been imposed on them. Mehsud stated that the TTP had no choice but to defend themselves.
Appreciation for Opposition to Military Operations
Mehsud thanked Pakistan’s religious, political, and national leaders for opposing the country’s new military operations called Azm-e-Istehkam. Last month, Pakistan’s military launched operations in the country after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s approval.
Accusations Against Pakistan’s Generals and Rulers
The TTP leader accused Pakistan’s generals and rulers of refusing to sit at the negotiating table with the group. Mehsud noted that the group had experience of talks with the Pakistani government during Imran Khan’s premiership.
He wrote that the TTP had never refused to take part in negotiations and that they know how to solve issues through dialogue, as witnessed during Imran Khan’s time in power.
War Imposed on Pashtuns
Mehsud’s message also read that the war was imposed on the Pashtuns on both sides of the Durand Line following 9/11, aiming to eliminate tribal independence.
He stated that Pakistani military and American drones have killed thousands of men, women, and children and destroyed the tribal people’s schools, houses, mosques, and madrassas, leaving them no option but to pick up weapons against the perpetrators.
