No talks with TTP

Talking to the terrorists is unfeasible. This was a categorical rundown message from the Foreign Office as it once again ruled out the option of engaging the TTP. The outlawed organisation, holed inside Afghanistan, is responsible for bloodshed in Pakistan and has spiked terror attacks in the last two years. Thus, Islamabad while commemorating the International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism made it very clear to the ruling dispensation in Kabul that TTP must be taken to task, and the Afghan Taliban should act against the dreaded group in the larger interests of regional peace and security. It is altogether important as Taliban 2.0 are under an obligation with the international community to ensure that non-state actors do not make use of its soil for nefarious designs against the neighbours, and the TTP and its likes going scot-free is a source of concern.

Pakistan was on the spot as it reiterated that recognition of the Taliban regime is subject to regional consensus, and there is little that it can do unilaterally. This must come as a grim reminder to Kabul and it should reflect as to what is ailing its de jure acknowledgment from immediate neighbours. The point is that Afghanistan deserves an inclusive political government and freedom of fundamental rights as it goes on to erect a new social order. Only then can the strife-torn country be in a position to progress economically and usher in an era of peace at home and abroad. With a lopsided orthodox system in vogue that brings in curbs on human development and at the same time hosts unscrupulous elements who believe in extra-territorial designs, nothing can settle down for normality.

It's high time for Taliban 2.0 to look at the broader picture of amalgamation, and connect the dots of reconciliation at home. Flushing out terror remnants is a must, and in it Kabul has the cooperation of the world at large in terms of intelligence coordination. All that is needed is the political will to call a spade a spade, and not to shy behind the denominator of so-called compatriotism with gun-wielders.