[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text dp_text_size=”size-4″]KABUL: According to a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday, a high-ranking team headed by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif is meeting with representatives of the Afghan Taliban administration today to discuss security issues, particularly counterterrorism measures.
Lt Gen Nadeem Anjum, the director general of Inter-Services Intelligence, and Ambassador Muhammad Sadiq, Pakistan’s special representative to Afghanistan, are both part of the delegation.
The visit comes against the backdrop of a recent surge in Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) sponsored terrorist attacks in Pakistan. Sources say Islamabad will persuade the Afghan interim government to live up to its commitment of not allowing Afghan soil to be used by the TTP and its affiliates.
The visit was the result of hectic behind-the-scenes efforts by Pakistan aimed at pressing the Afghan Taliban to tackle TTP sanctuaries.
Official sources claimed that the Afghan Taliban have shown a willingness to address Pakistan’s concerns, however, observers are skeptical.
Earlier, the Afghan Taliban government showed their willingness to address Pakistan’s concerns on the banned TTP after Islamabad stepped up the pressure in the wake of a recent surge in terrorism.
The interim Afghan government and Pakistan have had discussions behind the scenes to find a solution for the outlawed terrorist group, according to official sources acquainted with the development and quoted by The Express Tribune.
The increase in terrorism in Pakistan, especially after the catastrophic terrorist attack in Peshawar’s Police Lines neighbourhood that killed over 100 people, predominantly policemen, has sparked these relationships.
The tragic attack forced Pakistan to reconsider the previous administration’s policy, which aimed to resolve the TTP issue through negotiations.
As part of attempts to foster confidence, the PTI government permitted hundreds of TTP terrorists to reenter the country. The TTP members, however, regrouped and began initiating fresh attacks, so the strategy flopped.
As a result of the civilian and military leadership’s decision to forego direct negotiations with the TTP, the Peshawar Police Lines attack delivered a deadly blow to peace efforts. Instead, it was decided to bring up the matter at the highest level with the Afghan Taliban.
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