Afghan Taliban nudge TTP on talks with Islamabad

Kandahari, Haqqani groups direct militant outfit to de-escalate tensions

PESHAWAR:

The two main factions of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan – the Haqqani and Kandahari groups – have directed the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) to engage in discussions with Islamabad to de-escalate tensions between the neighbouring capitals.

Meanwhile, Pakistan has once again leveraged the influence of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Sami (JUI-S) leadership to bring the TTP to the negotiation table.

The development came on the heels of an unannounced trip led by Maulana Hamidul Haq, the elder son of the late Maulana Sami-ul-Haq, where he held meetings with key figures, including Taliban Deputy Prime Minister for Political Affairs Maulvi Abdul Kabir, Afghan Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani, Khalil Haqqani (Sirajuddin's uncle), and the governor of Logar and Paktika.

The discussions also involved various leaders of the Haqqani network, many of whom studied in Nowshera, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.

Commenting on the initiative, senior religious scholar Maulana Yousaf Shah pointed out the historical role of Jamia Dar al-Ulum Haqqania in addressing crises, especially its contributions during the challenging years of 2013 and 2014 when Pakistan faced severe law and order issues, a surge in TTP activities, and unrest in the Malakand and tribal areas.

"With their personal independent decisions, we have initiated the dialogue, and we are optimistic that, with the green light from Sirajuddin Haqqani and the support of the Kandahari Taliban, we will achieve positive outcomes," said Maulana Yousafzai Shah.

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He said that during the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) retired Lt Gen Faiz Hameed, he, along with numerous individuals affiliated with the Haqqania seminary, actively participated in discussions with the TTP, yielding positive results.

With positive intentions from both sides and mutual support for the process, achieving peace and bringing the Taliban to the negotiating table is definitely possible, he added.

It is pertinent to note that the senior leadership of Jamia Dar al-Uloom Haqqania played a crucial role in the Kabul agreement during 2013-14. They were integral to the signing of the ceasefire agreement, which included a commitment to non-offensive behaviour towards Islamabad.

The entire process was orchestrated under the leadership of the former spy chief, General Faiz.

"With promising gestures from the Afghan Minister of Interior and the support of Islamabad, we will soon see the TTP at the negotiation table," said another member of the delegation.

Meanwhile, Maulana Yousaf Shah unequivocally refuted any support for Jamia Dar al-Uloom Haqqania from the Afghan government or Maulvi Kabir. "If any such announcements were indeed made, we would have acknowledged them. However, the information and news pertaining to these claims are unfounded and untrue,” he added.