KANDAHAR: Emerging intelligence reports cited by informed sources claim that senior figures associated with the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), a Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) faction led by Hafiz Gul Bahadur, and Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) held a covert meeting in Kandahar, raising fresh concerns over alleged coordination among militant groups operating from or linked to Afghanistan.
According to the sources, the reported meeting was attended by BLA leader Bashir Zeb, Hafiz Gul Bahadur and a senior AQIS operative. The reported discussions allegedly focused on cooperation, logistics and operational support for militant activities targeting Pakistan.
Alleged Coordination Among Militant Groups
Sources familiar with the matter claim that the participants discussed mechanisms for sharing manpower, weapons, logistics and tactical support.
The reports further allege that AQIS-linked elements discussed providing specialized training to BLA operatives at training facilities in Afghanistan.
If confirmed, such cooperation would represent an unusual convergence between groups with different ideological and organizational backgrounds, according to the sources.
Alleged Role of Afghan Intelligence Authorities
The reports also contain allegations concerning Afghanistan’s intelligence authorities and their interactions with foreign intelligence networks.
According to the sources, Afghan intelligence officials expressed concerns over alleged direct contacts between India’s Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) and militant groups operating on Afghan territory. The sources claim that Afghan authorities subsequently sought to ensure that future coordination and intelligence-related contacts were conducted through Afghan channels.
These allegations could not be independently verified.
Pakistan Raises Concerns Over Cross-Border Militancy
Pakistan has repeatedly expressed concerns over militant groups allegedly using Afghan territory to plan or facilitate attacks inside Pakistan.
Islamabad has called on the Afghan authorities to prevent militant organizations from using Afghan soil against neighboring countries and has emphasized the importance of fulfilling commitments concerning counterterrorism and regional security.
Also Read: Pakistan Destroys BLA Training Centre, Kills Several Militants in Afghanistan’s Helmand
Pakistani officials have also maintained that the country reserves its right to respond to threats to its national security in accordance with international law.
Regional Security Concerns
The reported Kandahar meeting comes amid continuing concerns over cross-border militancy, militant networks and security cooperation among armed groups operating in the Afghanistan-Pakistan region.
The allegations surrounding the meeting, including claims about foreign support, intelligence coordination and training facilities, remain subject to independent verification. Further evidence from official investigations or multiple independent sources would be required to establish the details conclusively.c
