The Taliban has urged Pakistan to pursue peace talks with Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) instead of using violence as cross-border tensions over TTP sanctuaries deteriorate between Kabul and Islamabad.
During meetings with the Pakistani Special Representative for Afghanistan, Asif Durrani, in Kabul from July 19 to 21, the group was informed that Pakistan’s patience is running out over its apparent support for the TTP.
The Taliban, its been reported, told the Pakistani diplomat that his country “should pursue the path of peace instead of the use of force”.
The initial peace talks between Pakistan and TTP, mediated by the Taliban in late 2021, failed after a brief ceasefire was breached, leading to a surge in TTP attacks against Pakistani security forces.
Later, Pakistan said that it would no longer pursue peace talks with the TTP, alternately demanding the Taliban to crack down on the TTP.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office spokesperson, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, told in a recent briefing that the terrorist threat emanating from Afghanistan soil against Pakistan is a “serious” concern to the country’s national security, asserting that Pakistan will continue to discuss security challenges with the Taliban.
She stated that Pakistan’s envoy addressed these “important” issues while meeting top Taliban officials on his recent trip.
“Ambassador Durrani reaffirmed Pakistan’s firm commitment to work closely with Afghanistan in promoting the mutually reinforcing goals of regional peace and security. Pakistan will continue to actively engage with the Interim Afghan Government on all issues of interest.” Baloch said in the briefing.
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.
