Kabul warning to TTP fails to convince Islamabad

Taliban say their supreme leader warned TTP to stop cross-border violence or risk losing allegiance

ISLAMABAD:

In an effort to convince Pakistan of its sincerity in addressing Islamabad's security concerns, the Taliban regime has informally conveyed that Taliban Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada has warned the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) to halt attacks inside Pakistan or risk losing the Taliban's allegiance.

A credible Pakistani source told The Express Tribune that the message was part of the Taliban regime's broader effort to demonstrate that it is taking steps to rein in the TTP and other terrorist groups operating from Afghan territory. However, according to the source, Pakistan viewed the move as insufficient and lacking the substance required to bring about any meaningful change on the ground.

Officials familiar with the matter said the prevailing assessment within the relevant authorities is that the latest Taliban assurances appear aimed more at easing international and regional pressure than addressing the root causes of the problem.

A senior official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that Pakistan's assessment suggests there has been no tangible shift in the Taliban regime's approach toward terrorist groups operating from Afghanistan. "The recruitment of Afghan nationals into terrorist networks continues," the official said, despite repeated claims by Taliban authorities that they have taken a series of measures to address Islamabad's concerns.

According to the official, the Taliban leadership believes such steps can buy time and reduce pressure from Pakistan, but Islamabad remains unconvinced. "The problem is not the absence of assurances, the problem is the absence of verifiable action," the official added.

While mistrust continues to define the relationship, diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing a further deterioration in ties are also under way. Senior officials from Pakistan and the Taliban regime held weeklong talks in Urumqi, China, during the first week of April. China facilitated the meeting as part of its efforts to encourage a diplomatic solution to the growing tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Beijing described the Urumqi talks as constructive and positive, expressing the hope that the process would eventually lead to a comprehensive understanding between the two neighbours. Yet despite those engagements, Pakistan continued to face terrorist attacks that officials say originated from sanctuaries across the border.

The sources said that although Pakistan's core security concerns remain unaddressed, Islamabad is willing to participate in another round of talks if there is a realistic prospect of progress.

The issue also featured prominently during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's recent visit to China. In a joint statement issued after the visit, Pakistan and China acknowledged the threat posed by terrorist groups operating from Afghanistan and urged Kabul to take decisive action against organisations such as the TTP, the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM), and other terrorist networks.

Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have been simmering for many months and have periodically spilled over into military confrontations along the border. In October last year, border clashes erupted at multiple crossing points, leading to casualties on both sides and the temporary closure of key transit routes.

The situation deteriorated further in February and March this year when exchanges of fire and heightened military activity along parts of the frontier raised fears of a broader confrontation. The strained relationship was further aggravated by Pakistan's cross-border strikes targeting TTP hideouts inside Afghanistan.

Islamabad maintains that it has repeatedly shared evidence of the presence of TTP leaders and fighters on Afghan soil, while the Taliban regime has denied allowing its territory to be used against any country. At the heart of the troubled relationship remains Pakistan's long-standing complaint that the Taliban regime has failed to take effective action against the TTP and other groups that threaten Pakistan's security.

Despite periodic diplomatic engagements and assurances from Kabul, Pakistani officials say the gap between promises and actions continues to fuel mistrust and prevent a meaningful improvement in bilateral ties.