The Afghan Taliban have officially confirmed inviting Maulana Fazlur Rehman, the leader of Pakistan’s Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), to mediate between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
In a Pashto audio message, the Taliban’s chief spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, stated that the invitation aims to keep Fazlur Rehman informed about the aspirations of the Afghan people and government towards Pakistan.
The Taliban emphasized that they do not seek unrest or strained relations with Pakistan and believe Fazlur Rehman can play a constructive role in maintaining peaceful ties.
This confirmation follows a meeting between the Taliban’s envoy to Pakistan, Sardar Ahmad Jan Shakib, and Fazlur Rehman in Islamabad, during which the official invitation for mediation was extended.
The deteriorating relations between the Taliban government and Pakistan have been marked by increased terrorist attacks, with Pakistan attributing them to the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) operating from Afghanistan.
The Afghan Taliban’s statement coincides with reports suggesting that they have arrested several TTP fighters. While details of the arrests remain undisclosed, this move signals a potential shift in the Taliban’s stance, as they were previously considered close to Pakistan.
The timing of the reported arrests aligns with Pakistan’s strong protest over a September attack on its northern border in the Chitral region. The JUI-F spokesman indicated that Fazlur Rehman would visit Kabul soon after the nomination and scrutiny of candidates for the upcoming Afghan elections.
