Pakistan's ISI Allegedly Deeply Embedded in Kabul, Claims Former Afghan VP

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Reports from former Afghan Vice President Amrullah Saleh reveal that Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) has established a significant presence in Kabul, raising concerns about its influence on Afghan affairs. According to Saleh, over 150 ISI officials are operating out of the Pakistani embassy in the Afghan capital, with a primary objective of erasing “Indian proximity sentiments” from local media.

The allegations suggest that following the Taliban's ascension to power, the ISI intensified its covert operations in Afghanistan, positioning operatives throughout the country, including key provinces like Kandahar and Mazar-i-Sharif. Sources close to Saleh describe these operatives as deeply involved in both intelligence gathering and military engagements, particularly in supporting Taliban operations against resistance forces.

Specific claims included that ISI officers maintain close ties with senior Taliban leaders, and that they have facilitated financial and logistical support for individuals within the Taliban regime. Saleh's team has compiled a list of 166 ISI operatives reportedly linked to the Taliban's governance.

In addition to military implications, the ISI is said to have penetrated various Afghan institutional frameworks, utilizing humanitarian efforts as a cover for intelligence operations. This alleged infiltration extends to the Afghan Telecommunications Regulatory Authority, impacting national security interests.

With increasing tensions from groups like the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Saleh argues that the ISI's actions are primarily aimed at maintaining control over decision-making in Afghanistan and countering threats to Pakistan’s stability. As concerns mount over these claims, there is pressure on the Taliban to act on the revelations and clarify the presence of alleged operatives on their soil.

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