Pakistan Minister's Claim on Militants Sparks Debate

Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif recently gave an interview to BBC News where he claimed that former militant leaders residing in Pakistan are now reformed. This statement immediately sparked controversy, particularly given the US State Department's recent country profile of Pakistan. The profile indicates that certain militant groups continue to operate and raise funds through legitimate businesses. The BBC correspondent pressed Minister Asif on this discrepancy, questioning how he could be certain of the militants' reformed status. Asif responded by stating that these activities are 'from our past,' implying that the issue is a relic of a bygone era. However, the correspondent pointed out that the US State Department's report suggests otherwise, indicating that groups like JeM continue to function. This highlights the ongoing challenges and differing interpretations of the situation in Pakistan, underscoring the need for continued monitoring and dialogue.