Khawaja Asif Says Faiz Hameed, Bajwa Were Present During Talks on Militants’ Return

ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN — WEB DESK | October 14, 2026 Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has alleged that former Inter-Services Intelligence chief General (retd) Faiz Hameed and former army chief General (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa were present during discussions in which political leaders were urged to support bringing militants back to Pakistan.

Speaking during a National Assembly session, Asif said efforts had been made to persuade participants that returning the militants would benefit the country. He criticised what he described as inconsistencies between political leaders’ current positions and their past decisions on security policy.

Asif Raises Questions About Pakistan’s Past Security Policy

Asif referred to discussions held during an earlier period of Pakistan’s political and security history, alleging that the proposed return of militants had been presented as a beneficial course of action.

He also commented on former prime minister Imran Khan’s relationship with General Bajwa, arguing that past political statements and conduct should be considered when leaders debate responsibility for the country’s present security challenges.

The minister said Pakistan needed consistency in its public positions and actions, particularly on matters involving terrorism and national security.

The allegations revive debate over the earlier policy of negotiating with militant groups and allowing individuals associated with them to return to communities in Pakistan. The circumstances, participants and decisions involved remain important elements of the broader political dispute.

Militancy Remains a Major Security Challenge

The remarks come amid continuing tensions over counterterrorism policy, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where militant violence has remained a central issue in relations between the federal government and the provincial political leadership.

Asif has recently criticised the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership over its past approach to negotiations with the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). He has argued that counterterrorism requires a clear state policy and stronger action against militant groups.

Political leaders have continued to disagree over responsibility for the current security situation and the effectiveness of earlier negotiations.

Allegations Require Wider Context

Asif’s remarks present his account of past discussions involving senior military figures and political leaders. The claims should be distinguished from independently established findings about the decisions made at those meetings.

A fuller assessment would require additional records of the discussions, responses from the individuals named and clarification of the specific proposals under consideration.

The debate highlights the continuing political sensitivity surrounding Pakistan’s earlier efforts to address militancy through negotiations and resettlement, as the country faces renewed pressure to improve security and prevent further attacks.