Kamran Yousaf writes in the Express Tribune a discussion between Pakistani Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed and Interim Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in Tehran on TTP and why Pakistan has failed to make any breakthrough. A summary:
Main Issues:
TTP negotiations: Afghan FM claims most issues resolved, only FATA merger remains. Pakistan officials say TTP used talks to regroup.
FATA merger: TTP demands reversal, Pakistan considers it a red line.
Communication gap: Senator highlights lack of high-level communication between Islamabad and Kabul.
Afghan perspective:
Dialogue preference: Afghanistan wants to resolve issues through dialogue, not pressure.
Pride and resistance: Afghans sensitive to pressure, unwilling to be dictated to.
Border closure concerns: Afghan FM urges against linking border closure to isolated incidents.
Pakistani perspective:
Conditions for talks: TTP must accept state authority, Constitution, and disarm.
Blame game: Pakistani officials criticize TTP for lack of commitment and using talks for regrouping.
Overall:
Stalemate persists despite progress in some areas.
Communication gap remains a key hurdle.
Both sides need to find common ground on sensitive issues like FATA merger.
December 26, 2023
Source: Express Tribune