US extends support to Pakistan amid TTP threat

Number of terrorist attacks has gone up since return of Afghan Taliban to power in August 2021

ISLAMABAD:

The United States has thrown its weight behind Pakistan in the wake of renewed threat posed by banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), as the key aide of President Biden has said his country stands with Pakistan.

The support from the US came at a time when Pakistan is grappling with increased terrorist attacks being perpetrated by the TTP from across the border in Afghanistan.

US special Representative for Afghanistan Tom West flew to Pakistan earlier this week and held talks with Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani, Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir and other officials.

Before wrapping up his three-day visit, the US pointman for Afghanistan on Saturday in a statement acknowledged the "grave threat" posed by the TTP to Pakistan.

Read More: Afghan situation, TTP threat discussed with US pointman

"Departing Islamabad after productive two-day visit. Important conversations with [Caretaker Foreign Minister] Jalil Jilani, Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir, and Asif Durrani[Pakistan's Special Representative to Afghanistan], and MOI Secretary Durrani about grave security challenges posed by TTP as well as imperative to protect Afghan refugees," he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

"The United States stands with Pakistan against terrorism in the region," he added.

1/2 Departing Islamabad after productive two-day visit. Important conversations with @JalilJilani, Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir, @AsifDurrani20, and MOI Secretary Durrani about grave security challenges posed by TTP as well as imperative to protect Afghan refugees.

— U.S. Special Representative Thomas West (@US4AfghanPeace) December 8, 2023

Official sources said the US special envoy assured all out support to Pakistan to deal with the TTP threat.

However, Washington is not convinced with Pakistan's hardline stance particularly repatriation of undocumented Afghans living in the country.

The US feels that this approach may not work as Afghan Taliban are unlikely to move against the TTP.

Nevertheless, the US shares Pakistan's frustration as it believes that any country facing such terrorist attacks would respond robustly.

The number of terrorist attacks has gone up since the return of Afghan Taliban to power in August 2021.

There has been 60 per cent increase in terrorist attacks while suicide attacks have gone up by 500 per cent.

As tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan deepen, there are concerns this situation would only complicate the Afghan problem.

Read More: FM links Afghan trade to anti-TTP steps

One of the major issues the US envoy discussed with Pakistani authorities is the deportation of undocumented Afghans.

"We are also grateful for close communication with Islamabad re: refugee protection issues, including collaboration with IOs and humane and dignified treatment," Tom West said in a statement.

West said he spent "valuable time" with leadership of UNHCR and IOM in Islamabad, discussed their support for the most vulnerable and at-risk Afghans.

"Proud that US has contributed $77M to UNHCR this year for these efforts, and $9M to IOM to respond to recent earthquakes," according to the US special envoy.

He also met "courageous Afghan refugees" to hear about their lives first-hand. "Admire their courage under wrenching circumstances. We call for their protection and thank UNHCR, IOM, other partners for their efforts."

Washington is keen to ensure that Afghans who worked for the US during its military campaign in Afghanistan are spared in Pakistan’s drive against undocumented Afghans.

It is believed that both sides have made progress to work out a mechanism under which such Afghans are relocated to the US in shortest possible time.