Pakistan’s Special Representative on Afghanistan, Asif Durrani, is meeting Taliban authorities in Kabul on Wednesday to discuss the issue of Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) sanctuaries inside the country.
According to the Express Tribune newspaper, Durrani will deliver a “clear message” to the Taliban leadership that Pakistan’s patience is running out.
This comes amid escalating cross-border tensions between Kabul and Islamabad and the growing TTP attacks in Pakistan that have raised security concerns for Pakistan.
Pakistan has continued its pressure on the Taliban authorities to crack down on TTP militants, something the Taliban has shown no decisive will to do so.
Earlier, the Pakistani Defence Minister, Khawaja Muhammad Asif, accused the Taliban of not fulfilling its anti-terror commitments under Doha Agreement.
Taliban’s main spokesperson, Zabihullah Mujahid, rejected Pakistan’s allegations and said the TTP did not operate inside Afghanistan. He further lashed that the Taliban had not any commitment to Pakistan in the Doha Agreement, signed between the US and the group.
Recently, Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, General Syed Asim Munir, declined the Taliban’s denial of TTP sanctuaries in Afghanistan. He stated that the group not only enjoys haven across the border but also has access to the latest weapons.
On Monday, the US State Department said that the Taliban has the responsibility to prevent Afghanistan from being used as a safe haven for launching terrorist attacks.
The Taliban and TTT share ideological, operational, and personal alignment. A recent report shows that the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021 has significantly strengthened and emboldened the TTP, as the group continues to target Pakistani security forces and civilians across the country.
According to the Express Tribune newspaper, there are between 8,000 to 12,000 TTP fighters in Afghanistan and the number could rise to 30,000 if their family members are included.
