During his visit to London, which commenced on Wednesday, Mr. Dar engaged in discussions with members of the British government and the Pakistani diaspora, describing the trip as “useful, busy, and fruitful.”
In a pointed remark during the press conference, Mr. Dar referred to a “three-star general who went to Kabul to have a cup of tea” in 2021, subtly criticizing former spymaster Lt Gen Faiz Hameed. He linked the decision to release militants at that time to the current increase in terrorism, particularly in Balochistan.
“Those released at that time are now masterminding terrorism in Balochistan,” Mr. Dar asserted, adding, “The country is paying a price for that cup of tea in Afghanistan.” Although he did not mention Gen Hameed by name, the reference was clear, alluding to the former ISI chief’s visit to Kabul in September 2021, shortly after the Taliban took control of the Afghan capital. During that visit, Gen Hameed was famously photographed having tea and reassuring a journalist that “everything will be fine.”
When asked whether Lt Gen Hameed’s trip to Kabul had the approval of then-prime minister Imran Khan, Mr. Dar expressed doubt that the general would have acted without the prime minister’s permission. “I find it difficult to accept that he could have gone without the permission of the prime minister,” he stated.
Mr. Dar also praised the current military leadership, describing them as highly professional and focused on the well-being of Pakistan. “Their agenda is Pakistan, as is ours. This is a very good omen. They are not interested in who comes into government or opposition,” he added.
