Taliban Tells Pakistan It Cannot Control TTP, Says Express Tribune

The Pakistani newspaper Express Tribune has reported that the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) topped the agenda in recent talks between Pakistan’s special envoy for Afghanistan, Mohammad Sadiq Khan, and Taliban officials in Kabul.

Citing unnamed sources, the paper stated that the Afghan Taliban admitted they were unable to control the TTP. They reportedly said that if Pakistan, with its military strength, could not contain the group, it would be even harder for them to do so.

The Taliban also raised their own concerns about TTP activities and requested time and cooperation from Islamabad. However, Pakistani officials were not satisfied with these explanations. They urged the Taliban to take stronger action, or at least stop Afghan nationals from joining the group.

The meeting was part of a three-day visit by Sadiq Khan to Kabul, during which he held talks with Taliban ministers and senior officials. The newspaper reported that further ministerial-level talks are being planned.

On Sunday, during a Pakistan Day event at the Pakistani embassy in Kabul, Khan said that both countries were economically interdependent. He stressed Pakistan’s commitment to a strong and mutually beneficial relationship with Afghanistan.

His visit came amid rising tensions between the two countries. These tensions have been fuelled by accusations of cross-border militancy, trade disruptions, and Pakistan’s deadline for Afghan refugees to leave the country.

The Torkham border crossing, closed for 27 days due to a clash over Taliban construction near the border, has since reopened for trucks and patients. Pakistani authorities have said that undocumented Afghan refugees must leave the country by the end of March.

The Taliban have called on Pakistan to avoid harsh actions and allow refugees to return voluntarily.