Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson Tahir Andrabi, in his weekly press briefing, said that the mastermind of the Islamabad suicide blast is present in Afghanistan.

While answering a question regarding Daesh's involvement in the recent Islamabad blast that killed more than 30 people in an Imam Bargah (Shia Mosque), he said, "This mastermind of Daesh, we understand, is also present in Afghanistan. The UN sanctions committees report has also corroborated Daesh's presence in Afghanistan and their masterminds planning terrorist attacks."

He also informed that primarily Pakistan is taking this matter up with international partners. "This matter also remains part of our various dialogue mechanisms on Afghanistan," he added.

While commenting on the latest Sanctions Committee Report, he said that it extensively supports Pakistan's narrative on Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Afghanistan. The report has highlighted the important aspects related to the presence of TTP and Al Qaeda in Afghanistan.

According to the report, TTP has been accorded greater operational liberty and support from the de facto (Afghan) authorities, consequently attacking the territory inside Pakistan. The report also refers to Al Qaeda, which continues to enjoy a straight patronage and acts as a multiplier and service provider to other armed terrorist groups in Afghanistan in terms of training and advice, particularly TTP.

Andrabi said, "There is a reference to collaboration between the Baloch Liberation Army/Fitnah Al Hind, TTP, and ISKP through shared training camps and resources, coordinated attack and meetings between the commanders. So, if we sum up all this, the report corroborates Pakistan's position that TTP resurgence is linked to post-2021, interim Afghan government takeover."