Is Pakistan Currently Backing Any Militant Groups?

Quick Overview

The former Pakistani official interviewed ultimately denies that Pakistan is currently backing militant groups, stating that while Pakistan did support militants in the past, specifically during the Afghan Jihad and in Kashmir, he personally believes Pakistan had no business intervening in those situations, and he cannot endorse current support.

Key Points: The interviewee, a former Pakistani official, acknowledged Pakistan's long history of backing militant groups in Kashmir and during the Afghan Jihad (0:03). The official cited former President Pervez Musharraf's admission from about 15 years ago regarding this past support (0:05-0:09). The official stated that Pakistan had 'no business' being involved in both the Afghan Jihad (against the Soviet Union) and the Taliban situation (0:33-0:37). When pressed on whether the mistake of supporting militants is ongoing, the official agreed it was a mistake but implied the past activity is concluded, stating, 'No. We made a mistake' (1:05). Regarding Kashmir, the official claimed, 'we had absolutely nothing to do with what was happening in Afghanistan' (1:50-1:53), but called Kashmir 'a wound which is bleeding for last 78 years' (1:58-2:03). The interviewer strongly suggested that ISI is still backing militant groups currently operating from Pakistan, to which the official responded, 'I don't think so... I won't endorse that, you know' (2:09-2:46). The official confirmed that currently, ISI is 'not backing any militant groups' (2:54-2:56), though the interviewer remained skeptical.

Context: This clip features an interview conducted by Zeteo between an interviewer and a former Pakistani official, likely a politician or diplomat, discussing Pakistan's historical and current relationship with militant groups operating in regions like Kashmir and Afghanistan. The discussion centers on past state-sponsored backing of such groups, particularly during the Soviet-Afghan War and the Kashmir conflict, referencing admissions made by former President Pervez Musharraf.