KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – The Taliban have privately informed Islamabad that their leader Hibatullah Akhundzada has warned the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) to stop attacks inside Pakistan or risk losing the Afghan Taliban’s support, Pakistani media reported.
The Express Tribune, citing official sources, reported that the message was conveyed as part of efforts by the Taliban to demonstrate that they are taking steps against militant groups operating from Afghan territory, amid ongoing tensions with Islamabad over cross-border militancy.
According to the report, Islamabad views the message as insufficient and lacking the practical substance needed to bring meaningful change on the ground.
Officials cited in the report said Islamabad believes the Taliban’s recent assurances are primarily aimed at easing international and regional pressure rather than addressing what Pakistan sees as the core security problem.
A senior Pakistani official said there has been no tangible shift in Taliban policy toward militant groups based in Afghanistan.
“The recruitment of Afghan nationals into terrorist networks continues,” the official said, adding that Taliban authorities have repeatedly claimed they are taking measures to address Pakistan’s concerns.
He said Islamabad believes the Taliban are relying on statements and informal assurances rather than verifiable enforcement measures. “The problem is not the absence of assurances, the problem is the absence of verifiable action,” he said.
Relations between Pakistan and the Taliban have deteriorated since the group returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021, despite their past cooperation during the insurgency period.
Pakistan accuses the Taliban of providing space to militant groups, including the TTP and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), enabling them to plan and carry out cross-border attacks. The Taliban reject the allegations and say they do not allow any group to use Afghan territory against other countries.
The latest round of clashes between the two sides began in February and involved cross-border artillery and air strikes before being halted through mediation by tribal elders along the border.
Although active fighting has paused, the two countries have not reached a comprehensive agreement to prevent renewed hostilities. Multiple rounds of talks mediated by regional states have failed, largely due to disagreements over the presence and activity of TTP members in Afghanistan.
The Taliban deny that TTP leaders or fighters are based in Afghanistan, while Pakistani officials say they have repeatedly shared what they describe as credible evidence of their presence.
With tensions unresolved and diplomatic engagement stalled, both sides remain at odds, and the risk of renewed conflict persists.
