Taliban says its supreme leader warned TTP to end cross-border violence or risk losing allegiance
ISLAMABAD:
In an effort to convince Pakistan of its sincerity in responding to Islamabad’s security concerns, the Taliban regime made it known informally that Taliban supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada had warned the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) to stop attacks inside Pakistan or risk losing the Taliban’s allegiance.
A credible Pakistani source told The Express PK Press Club that the message was part of a broader effort by the Taliban regime to demonstrate that it was taking steps to rein in the TTP and other terrorist groups operating from Afghan territory. However, according to the source, Pakistan viewed the move as insufficient and lacking the substance needed to bring about meaningful change on the ground.
Officials close to the matter said the prevailing assessment among relevant authorities is that the Taliban’s latest 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 towards terrorist 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 series of steps to address Islamabad’s concerns.
According to the official, Taliban leaders believe such measures can buy time and reduce pressure from Pakistan, but Islamabad is still not convinced. “The problem is not the lack of assurances, the problem is the lack of verifiable action,” the official added.
As distrust continues to define relations, diplomatic efforts to prevent further deterioration of ties 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 growing tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Beijing described the Urumqi talks as constructive and positive, expressing hope that the process would eventually lead to a comprehensive agreement between the two neighbors. Yet despite these commitments, Pakistan continues to face terrorist attacks that authorities say originate from sanctuaries across the border.
The sources said that while Pakistan’s main security concerns remain unaddressed, Islamabad is ready to participate in another round of negotiations if there is a realistic prospect of progress.
This issue was also the focus of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent visit to China. In a joint statement issued after the visit, Pakistan and China recognized the threat posed by terrorist groups operating from Afghanistan and urged Kabul to take decisive action against organizations such as the TTP, the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM) and other terrorist networks.
Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have been simmering for many months and periodically erupt into military clashes along the border. In October last year, border clashes broke out at several crossing points, leading to casualties on both sides and the temporary closure of key transit routes.
The situation further deteriorated in February and March this year when exchanges of fire and increased military activity along parts of the border raised fears of a wider confrontation. These strained relations have been further aggravated by Pakistan’s cross-border strikes targeting TTP hideouts in Afghanistan.
Islamabad claims to have repeatedly shared evidence of the presence of TTP leaders and fighters on Afghan soil, while the Taliban regime has denied allowing its territory to be used against any country. At the heart of these difficult relations is 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 fuel distrust and prevent significant improvement in bilateral relations.
