The Taliban say their top leader warned the TTP to stop cross-border violence or risk losing allegiance
ISLAMABAD:
In an attempt to convince Pakistan of its sincerity regarding Islamabad’s security concerns, the Taliban regime has informally conveyed that Taliban supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada has warned the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) to cease attacks in Pakistan or risk losing the Taliban’s allegiance.
A credible Pakistani source told The Express Pakinomist that the message was part of the Taliban regime’s wider effort to demonstrate that it is taking steps to rein in the TTP and other terror groups operating from Afghan territory. However, according to the source, Pakistan considered the move insufficient and lacking the necessary substance to bring about any meaningful change on the ground.
Officials familiar with the matter said the prevailing assessment by the relevant authorities is that the latest Taliban assurances appear aimed more at easing international and regional pressure than addressing the root causes of the problem.
A senior official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Pakistan’s assessment suggests there has been no tangible change in the Taliban regime’s approach to terror groups operating from Afghanistan. “The recruitment of Afghan nationals into terrorist networks continues,” the official said, despite repeated claims by Taliban authorities that they have taken a number of measures to address Islamabad’s concerns.
According to the official, the Taliban leadership believes such moves can buy time and reduce pressure from Pakistan, but Islamabad remains unconvinced. “The problem is not the absence of assurances, the problem is the absence of verifiable action,” the official added.
While mistrust continues to define the relationship, diplomatic efforts to prevent a further deterioration in relations are also underway. Senior officials from Pakistan and the Taliban regime held week-long talks in Urumqi, China, in the first week of April. China facilitated the meeting as part of its efforts to encourage a diplomatic solution to the growing tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Beijing described the Urumqi talks as constructive and positive and expressed hope that the process would eventually lead to a comprehensive understanding between the two neighbors. Despite these engagements, Pakistan continued to carry out terrorist attacks that officials say originate from cross-border sanctuaries.
The sources said that while Pakistan’s core security concerns remain unresolved, Islamabad is willing to engage in another round of talks if there is a realistic prospect of progress.
The issue also figured prominently during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent visit to China. In a joint statement issued after the visit, Pakistan and China acknowledged the threat posed by terrorist groups operating from Afghanistan and urged Kabul to take decisive action against organizations such as the TTP, East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM) and other terrorist networks.
Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have simmered for many months and have periodically spilled over into military confrontations along the border. Last October, border clashes erupted at several crossing points, leading to casualties on both sides and the temporary closure of key transit routes.
The situation worsened further in February and March this year, as gunfire and increased military activity along parts of the border raised fears of a wider confrontation. The strained relationship was further aggravated by Pakistan’s cross-border attacks targeting TTP hideouts in Afghanistan.
Islamabad maintains that it has repeatedly shared evidence of the presence of TTP leaders and fighters on Afghan soil, while the Taliban regime has refused to allow its territory to be used against any country. At the heart of the uneasy relationship remains Pakistan’s long-standing complaint that the Taliban regime has failed to take effective action against the TTP and other groups that threaten Pakistan’s security.
Despite periodic diplomatic engagements and assurances from Kabul, Pakistani officials say the gap between promises and actions continues to breed mistrust and prevent meaningful improvement in bilateral ties.
