Today: 31 May 2025
8 November 2021
2 mins read

Taliban Toughen Stance on Pak Policy on TTP

Pakistani officials in interactions made a clear demand that all these groups must not only be denied space to operate but also sought military action against them…reports Asian Lite News

Days before the Afghan Taliban were at the gates of Kabul, Pakistan was already in talks with the government in-waiting to deal with militant outfits such as banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Baloch groups which have been for years operating out of the neighbouring country.

Pakistani officials in their interactions with the Taliban leadership made a clear demand that all these groups must not only be denied space to operate but also sought military action against them, Express Tribune reported.

After Taliban captured Kabul on August 15, Pakistan shared a list of most-wanted terrorists seeking their extradition, the report said.

The Taliban leadership came up with a proposal, offering Pakistan their good offices to initiate talks with the TTP and its affiliates. But at the same time the interim Taliban government promised military action against those groups, which were not willing to reconcile, according to sources familiar with the development, the report said.

It was because of this reason that Pakistan initiated talks with the TTP. The two sides reportedly held at least three face-to-face meetings. One was held in Kabul while the other two took place in Khost.

The chief of Haqqani network, Sirajuddin Haqqani, is thought to have played a role of mediator. Although there was no official confirmation, reports suggested that the TTP agreed to announce a month-long ceasefire in return for Pakistan releasing dozens of terrorist group’s prisoners, the report added.

“I can neither confirm nor deny the reports of talks between Pakistan and the TTP,” Pakistan’s Ambassador to Afghanistan Mansoor Ahmed Khan told The Express Tribune.

He, however, said engagement with the TTP or its affiliates should be seen in the context of counter-terrorism efforts and a strategy agreed between Pakistan and the Taliban government.

“The Taliban government has not said at any stage it would protect the TTP or give them sanctuary. At every stage they have assured us that no group would be allowed to use Afghan soil against Pakistan,” the ambassador said.

He referred to the October 21 visit of Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi to Kabul where according to the ambassador, the Taliban gave a very “positive response” to Pakistan’s demand for tackling TTP and other anti-Pakistan groups.

Qureshi was accompanied by DG ISI Lt General Faiz Hameed and other officials, the report said.

“The Taliban government assured us that military action will be taken against all such groups,” Ambassador Mansoor said.

He went on to add that the Taliban government would not allow its soil to be used against Pakistan or any other country.

“These groups will be eliminated,” claimed the Ambassador, who frequently interacts with the Taliban government.

ALSO READ: Polio vax drive resumes in Afghanistan

ALSO READ: Anti-Taliban leader in Iran to talk inclusive govt

Previous Story

A top UN reiterated support for upcoming elections in Libya

Next Story

Sanctions imposed on Malian transitional authorities

Latest from -Top News

World needs Dubai’s ambition: Morgan

Piers Morgan has hailed Dubai’s transformation as an example of what visionary leadership can achieve. British broadcaster Piers Morgan has praised the extraordinary ambition and vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin

Mohammed honours football champions

Ruler of Dubai hails players as role models during palace reception His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, received the

Abu Dhabi sets 2050 energy vision

Abu Dhabi unveils AED400 billion energy roadmap, inked climate finance pact ahead of 2026 UN Water Conference Abu Dhabi has unveiled a sweeping strategic framework to transform its energy and water sector

Gargash: UAE’s pragmatism sets regional example

Anwar Gargash says the UAE stands as a beacon of what is possible when pragmatism and vision come together. As political instability, economic fragmentation and rapid technological change continue to reshape the

US flag returns to Damascus

Billions in energy deals and lifted sanctions mark Syria’s reintegration, as US reopens embassy and declares the war-torn nation “open for business” under new regional partnerships. The United States has reopened its
Go toTop

Don't Miss

9 Chinese among 12 killed in Pakistan bus ‘blast’

Preliminary reports stated that six Chinese and three Pakistanis- two

Pak envoy, Taliban foreign minister discuss bilateral ties  

This is the first meeting between a Pakistani official and