Pakistan’s Special Representative to Visit Kabul to Deliver Message on TTP

Pakistan’s Special Representative on Afghanistan, Ambassador Asif Durrani, is set to travel to Kabul this week. The purpose of his visit is to deliver a direct message to the Afghan interim government regarding the prohibited Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). This planned visit follows escalating tensions between the two nations over the issue of terrorist safe havens.

His trip comes after Pakistan’s intensified calls on the Afghan interim government to address the TTP threat. The urgency in Pakistan’s demand has escalated following recent terrorist attacks in the Zhob District of Balochistan. These events led the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Asim Munir, to remind the Afghan Taliban of their international obligations to prevent their territory from being used for terrorist activities.

Afghanistan’s Role in TTP

The Federal Defense Minister of Pakistan, Khawaja Asif, has voiced his disappointment at Afghanistan’s failure to meet its responsibilities, especially given that Pakistan has hosted millions of Afghan refugees over the past decades. The Afghan Taliban, in their response, has denied Pakistan’s accusations, insisting that the TTP does not operate from within their borders.

However, these denials have been rejected by Pakistan’s senior military leaders, who maintain that the TTP enjoys safe havens across the border and access to high-tech weaponry. The U.S. has also echoed Pakistan’s concerns, warning the Taliban regime against letting Afghanistan become a sanctuary for terrorists.

According to official sources, Durrani’s mission is to convey a stern message to the Afghan government and Taliban leadership. His message would highlight Pakistan’s dwindling patience over the matter. However, given the unfruitfulness of previous engagements, observers remain doubtful about the potential impact of this latest endeavour.

The TTP issue has become a significant hurdle in the relationship between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban. Despite expectations from Pakistan’s end, the Afghan Taliban does not seem keen to address the TTP issue. While officials in Pakistan initially had a favourable view of the Afghan Taliban’s takeover, the TTP issue has cast a shadow over this outlook.

The U.S., lending support to Pakistan’s cause, has also urged action against terrorist havens in Afghanistan. A U.S. Department of State spokesperson emphasized the Afghan Taliban’s responsibility to prevent their territory from being used against other nations.