The Pakistan Foreign Office (FO) has expressed its disappointment with the response received from the Afghan Taliban regarding the latter’s inaction against terrorist groups operating within its territory.
During a weekly media briefing, FO spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch highlighted Pakistan’s growing concerns about the presence and activities of such groups, specifically the Afghanistan-based Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
“Pakistan has serious concerns about the continued presence of terrorist groups with sanctuaries and hideouts in Afghanistan, as they continue to launch attacks and cause loss of life within Pakistan,” Ms. Baloch stated.
These comments come amid a period of strained relations between Pakistan and the de facto Taliban government in Afghanistan. The Pakistani government has increasingly grown frustrated with the Taliban’s failure to take concrete measures against the TTP, which has been responsible for numerous terrorist attacks within Pakistan.
While initial efforts by the Afghan Taliban to facilitate peace talks between Pakistan and the TTP were unsuccessful, Ms. Baloch reiterated Pakistan’s call for “effective, meaningful action” against the TTP. She expressed disappointment at the lack of concrete results observed thus far.
In response to the perceived inaction, Pakistan has implemented stricter measures, including the expulsion of undocumented Afghans, limitations on Afghan transit trade, and the introduction of a “one document regime” restricting border crossings.
Despite these measures, Ms. Baloch emphasized the importance of maintaining communication with Kabul. “We believe that the channels of communication should remain open, and we will continue to urge the Afghan authorities to take effective action against these terrorist groups,” she added.
The current situation underscores the complex relationship between Pakistan and the Taliban-led Afghanistan. The Taliban’s response to Pakistani demands will have a significant impact on shaping the future of this relationship.
Regarding the government’s efforts to remove undocumented Afghans residing in Pakistan, Ms. Baloch expressed satisfaction with the number of individuals voluntarily returning to Afghanistan. She stressed that forced repatriations were minimal compared to voluntary departures.
December 1, 2023
Source: Dawn, Express Tribune