Taliban deny Pakistan links

The Taliban have rejected claims that they or any of their allies have ties to the Pakistani government.

The insurgent group said in a statement today that it has no bases in Pakistan.

The claim runs contrary to US and international assertions that the Taliban retain numerous safe havens and bases in Pakistan’s tribal areas, used to stage attacks into neighbouring Afghanistan.

The Taliban also reject US charges that the Haqqani network, a key affiliate, has ties to Pakistan’s intelligence service.

The group says Haqqani network founder Jalaluddin Haqqani is a key member of the Taliban leadership.

The Taliban statement appears to be an attempt to give the Pakistani government some breathing space as Islamabad comes under increasing pressure to take action against insurgents within its borders.