Pakistan, Afghanistan hold key talks amid tensions over TTP allegations

Pakistan’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, Ambassador Mohammad Sadiq, met with Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in Kabul on Tuesday, marking a step toward enhancing bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

The meeting comes amid strained relations due to frequent border skirmishes and Pakistan’s persistent demand for Afghanistan to take action against the outlawed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

Islamabad claims the TTP uses Afghan soil to launch attacks in Pakistan, a charge that Kabul has consistently denied.

Despite the tensions, both countries have recently engaged in diplomatic dialogue. The latest interaction follows a meeting between Afghan chargé d’affaires Sardar Ahmad Shakeeb and Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on December 9.

This was preceded by a meeting between Pakistan’s chargé d’affaires in Kabul, Obaid Nizamani, and Taliban Defence Minister Mullah Yaqoob.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Ambassador Sadiq stated, “Met Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi today. Held wide-ranging discussions. Agreed to work together to further strengthen bilateral cooperation as well as for peace and progress in the region.”

Ambassador Sadiq also held a separate meeting with Afghanistan's Acting Minister of Interior, Sirajuddin Haqqani, on Monday, where both sides agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in various fields to improve relations between the two neighboring nations.

Earlier this month, Pakistan reappointed Ambassador Sadiq as its Special Representative for Afghanistan. Although no formal announcement was made, the appointment was confirmed by sources close to the development.

This move came amid reports that the Afghan Taliban had begun relocating TTP members and their families away from the border region in Ghazni, a shift aimed at easing tensions with Pakistan.

The reappointment and renewed diplomatic engagement reflect Pakistan’s ongoing desire to resolve outstanding issues through dialogue.

On December 13, the Foreign Office emphasised that recent meetings with Afghanistan demonstrated Pakistan’s commitment to addressing concerns through constructive dialogue.

Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch noted that counterterrorism efforts were at the forefront of the bilateral agenda, highlighting the importance of cooperation to address shared security challenges.