In a compelling speech delivered in Karachi, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, the leader of Pakistan’s Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam party, made a significant assertion regarding the involvement of Pakistani youths in Afghanistan’s conflict.
Rehman claimed that between 20,000 to 30,000 armed Pakistani young individuals have engaged in combat alongside the Taliban in Afghanistan, challenging the official narratives concerning border security between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

This assertion was made against the backdrop of Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff’s assurances about stringent border security measures. General Qamar Javed Bajwa had previously detailed the comprehensive actions taken to fortify the border, including the erection of barbed wire barriers costing billions of rupees, aimed at preventing unauthorized crossings.

Rehman raised serious questions about the efficacy of these security measures, citing the alleged participation of thousands of Pakistani youths in the conflict against American forces as evidence of significant lapses.
He interrogated the military’s ability to monitor and control the border effectively, especially in light of the substantial investment in security infrastructure.

The cleric’s remarks did not just challenge the physical security measures but also scrutinized the broader implications of these young individuals’ return to Pakistan, potentially bearing enhanced combat experience and capabilities. He expressed deep concerns over the potential security risks posed by their return, questioning the military’s oversight and the reliability of its might and resources.

To date, there has been no official response from either the Pakistani military leadership or the Taliban regarding Rehman’s allegations.

The issue of cross-border militancy has been a contentious topic, with Pakistani authorities previously accusing the Taliban of allowing Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants to operate from Afghan territory. These militants, according to Pakistani officials, have orchestrated attacks within Pakistan from their bases in Afghanistan. The Taliban, however, have dismissed these claims, attributing the TTP’s threats to internal issues within Pakistan.