Even before the Taliban took over Afghanistan, the Pakistan government was already in talks with the Afghanistan government in waiting to deal with militant outfits such as banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Baloch groups which has reportedly been operating out of the neighbouring country for years.
Taliban Proposes Pakistan To Initiate Talks With TTP
The Pakistani officials in a recent interactions with the Taliban leadership made a clear demand that all the groups must not only be denied space to operate but also sought military action against them.
After the Taliban took over Afghanistan on August 15, Pakistan shared a list of the most-wanted terrorists with them. Following which they came up a proposal and offered Pakistan their offices to talk to TTP and its affiliates. At the same time, the interim Taliban government had promised to take military action against the groups in case they refused to reconcile.
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Following the development, Pakistan initiated talks with the TTP. Since then, both the parties have reportedly had at least three face-to-face meetings. One was held in Kabul and the rest in Khost.
Sirajudding Haqqani Reportedly Played A Role Of Mediator
The chief of Haqqani network, Sirajuddin Haqqani reportedly played a role of mediator. Although, there has been no official confirmation but reports suggest that the TTP agreed to announce a month long cease fire in return for Pakistan releasing around dozens of terrorist group’s prisoners.
Talking to the media, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Afghanistan Mansoor Ahmed Khan said that he can neither confirm nor deny the report of talks between Pakistan and TTP. However, he said that the engagement with the TTP should be seen in the context of counter-terrorism efforts and a strategy agreed between the two.
The ambassador further said that the Taliban government has not any stage claimed that they would protect the TTP.
