KABUL — Pakistan’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, Ambassador Muhammad Sadiq Khan, is due in Kabul early next week carrying what Islamabad describes as a stern message for the Taliban regarding the facilitation of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) on Afghan soil.
According to diplomatic sources quoted by The News, Sadiq will press the Taliban over accusations that the TTP has been given safe havens, training, funding, and other logistical support within Afghanistan.
Islamabad has repeatedly accused the TTP of carrying out deadly attacks inside Pakistan, with what it calls backing from foreign actors, including India. These claims are denied by the Taliban, which insists no group is permitted to use Afghan territory for attacks against Pakistan.
The envoy’s trip follows severe clashes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. In recent operations, the Pakistan military said 19 soldiers were killed, along with 45 militants. The operations spanned districts including Bajaur, South Waziristan, and Lower Dir.
Ambassador Sadiq, who has visited Kabul several times as part of Pakistan’s so-called shuttle diplomacy, is said to have already shared evidence with the Taliban authorities to support Islamabad’s accusations.
Still, Pakistani sources allege that the Taliban has repeatedly assured cooperation but then backtracked.
This visit occurs amid growing concern in Islamabad about cross-border violence and the regional implications.
Observers say that Pakistan’s demands, including that Afghanistan “make a clear choice” between siding with Pakistan or allowing militants safe havens, mark one of the starkest diplomatic ultimatums in recent months.
Taliban has yet to comment on the latest statements.
