Islamabad, Pakistan: In a significant development, the two main Afghan Taliban factions, the Haqqani network and the Kandahari group, have urged the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) to engage in peace talks with the Pakistani government. This move aims to de-escalate tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
JUI-S Plays Mediator Role: Pakistan, meanwhile, has once again relied on the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Sami (JUI-S) leadership to facilitate these dialogues. A recent unannounced visit by Maulana Hamidul Haq, son of the late JUI-S leader Maulana Sami-ul-Haq, saw him meet key Afghan figures, including Deputy Prime Minister Maulvi Abdul Kabir and Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani. Discussions also involved influential figures from the Haqqani network with ties to Pakistan.
Historical Precedent for JUI-S Involvement:
Maulana Yousaf Shah, a senior religious scholar, highlighted the JUI-S’s successful historical role in mediating during critical moments, such as the 2013-2014 period marked by TTP attacks and regional instability. He expressed optimism about the current initiative, citing support from key Afghan figures and the positive outcomes of past involvement by the JUI-S and former ISI chief General Faiz Hameed.
Positive Outlook for Talks: Shah believes that with goodwill from both sides and support for the process, achieving peace and bringing the TTP to the table is possible. This sentiment aligns with the JUI-S’s crucial contribution to the 2013-2014 ceasefire agreement between the TTP and Pakistan.
Refuting Unfounded Claims: Shah also clarified unconfirmed reports of financial support for the JUI-S from the Afghan government, stating that such claims are “unfounded and untrue.”
Next Steps: With both Afghan factions and the JUI-S pushing for dialogue, the coming period could witness renewed efforts to bring the TTP and the Pakistani government to the negotiating table, fostering stability in the region.
March 4, 2024
Source: Express Tribune