Former Pakistan Taliban spokesperson alleges Islamist groups have links with Indian and Afghan intelligence

The Pakistani military has released a video in which a former spokesperson of Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claims Islamist groups have links with Indian and Afghan intelligence. He alleges in the footage that intelligence agencies from the two countries have fomented extremist attacks in Pakistan in order to create instability.

Ehsanullah Ehsan makes some startling claims in the purported confession. He alleges that Islamist groups in the region assist Indian premier spy agency, Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), to infiltrate Islamabad's positions.

"I have played the role of a spokesperson and during my nine years, I saw a lot happening in TTP. They misguided dozens of people, especially the youth, into joining the organisation in the name of Islam," Ehsan claims in the video released by the Pakistani army's media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). Ehsan is in army custody after he and several other senior militants surrendered on 19 April.

At the time of the surrender, ISPR's Major General Asif Ghafoor told reporters: "Jamaat-ul-Ahrar (JuA) commander and former TTP spokesman Ehsanullah Ehsan has surrendered." He did not disclose more details. Jamaat-ul-Ahrar (JuA) is a breakaway faction of the Taliban.

Minutes after the video was released by the military, Ghafoor wrote on Twitter: "RuF. Ehsan Ullah Ehsan exposes hostile foreign agenda & their designs to destabilise Pak. Our youth is our strength, shall never fall prey."

Ehsan is reported to have joined the TTP in 2008 but later switched to the splinter group JuA. Ehsan said he was frustrated that senior figures of the militant organisations were exploiting youngsters for their own personal gains.

Ehsan's claims are likely to stir a hornet's nest. Pakistan has often accused Indian intelligence of creating unrest in the country.