ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has acknowledged the efforts of the Afghan-led interim government in combatting cross-border terrorism and considers the relocation of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants from border areas as a significant development.
Asif Durrani, Pakistan’s special representative on Afghanistan, stated that the interim government has taken certain steps to address Pakistan’s and its neighbors’ concerns regarding cross-border terrorism, including China. However, Durrani cautioned that it is too early to speculate on the outcome of these efforts.
Since the Afghan Taliban regained power in August 2021, Pakistan has witnessed a surge in terrorist attacks. Consequently, Pakistan urged the interim government to take decisive actions against the TTP, responsible for cross-border attacks. Durrani acknowledged that steps are being taken to neutralize the TTP but emphasized that it will take time, considering that the process is still in its initial stages.
Durrani praised the Afghan government’s decision to relocate TTP militants away from the Pakistan border areas as a positive step. However, he cautioned against premature conclusions and stressed the importance of this relocation if it brings peace along the borders.
The Pakistani envoy highlighted that the Pakistani military’s operations have deprived the TTP of territorial control. He noted that the TTP’s relocation indicates they have become a liability for the Afghan Taliban. Durrani expressed concerns about the presence of TTP, ETIM, and other groups in Afghanistan. He hoped the Afghan government would address these concerns and align with President Biden’s expectations for counterterrorism cooperation.
Durrani expressed optimism about the cooperation between the Afghan Taliban and American authorities. He believed it would yield positive results in counterterrorism measures in the near future. Pakistan and China emphasize the need for practical measures by the Afghan government to address security challenges in the region. Durrani also emphasized the importance of regional collaboration and urged neighboring countries to actively support Afghanistan in its efforts to tackle security challenges and promote stability in the region.
