A photograph showing senior anti-Pakistan militants linked to the banned Hafiz Gul Bahadur Group relaxing at a luxury hotel in Kabul has renewed debate over militant safe havens in Afghanistan and strengthened Pakistan’s long-held position on cross-border militancy.
The image shows top commanders of the group, including Abu Sufyan Karavan, also known as Sadr Hayat, along with Commander Jalali, Commander Rehbar Waziristani, and Commander Ghazi. The individuals are seen near the swimming pool of the five-star InterContinental Hotel Kabul, appearing relaxed and unconcerned.
The group is known to operate in coordination with the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, which has been responsible for multiple attacks inside Pakistan. The photograph has been described as strong visual evidence supporting Islamabad’s repeated claims that anti-Pakistan militants are operating from Afghan territory with relative freedom.
For years, Pakistan has urged the Afghan authorities and the Taliban to take strict action against cross-border militant networks. However, Kabul has consistently denied providing sanctuary to such groups. The newly surfaced image, according to officials and analysts, challenges those denials by showing senior militant figures in a high-profile hotel setting in the Afghan capital.
The development adds weight to Pakistan’s diplomatic and security concerns about regional stability, particularly regarding the continued presence of militant groups operating across the border.
It also aligns with previous findings of the United Nations Security Council Monitoring Team, which has reported the presence of multiple terrorist organizations in Afghanistan, along with thousands of fighters linked to various groups.