ISLAMABAD—Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif raised concerns about declining professional standards among militants entering Pakistan from Afghanistan during Islamabad's annual Jihad Yard Sale.
“We spent forty years developing regional expertise,” Sharif said. “Now people cross the border without certificates, references or a retired general willing to recognize them.”
Former ISI officers displayed vintage mujahideen photographs, training certificates and souvenirs from earlier international partnerships. American visitors were offered discounted replacements for equipment they had previously financed.
Sharif urged greater professionalism. “There are established procedures,” he said. “You cannot simply change your destination without notifying the people who arranged your departure.”
Taliban delegates objected to the new requirements.
“We graduated from your institutions,” Zabihullah Mujahid protested. “You cannot call us unqualified simply because we now choose our own customers.”
Organizers introduced a certification scheme. “Militants heading to Afghanistan get alumni discounts. Those returning to Pakistan go to complaints,” explained Husain Haqqani.
Following an anonymous customer survey, Islamabad announced the Jihad Yard Sale would be held twice next year, citing growing regional demand for proxy.
Sharif called for international sanctions against recipient of terrorism.
Gen. Asim Munir moved the sponsorship revenue into next year's GDP forecast.