ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has told interim Afghan government that it could only consider talking to banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) if terrorist outfit surrenders and lays down arms, official sources privy to development revealed. Pakistan is no longer seeking talks with TTP under present circumstances. But despite Pakistan’s refusal to enter into peace talks with militant group, Afghan Taliban are still keen on dialogue.

When Afghan Interim Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi visited Islamabad last month, he once again proposed talks between Pakistan and TTP. “We are no longer seeking talks with TTP. Possibility of talks can only be explored if TTP surrenders and lays down arms,” said reliable source. “Our offer is unambiguous, take it or leave it,” source added.

Afghan Taliban-brokered talks did make progress initially as TTP agreed to ceasefire in return for Pakistan freeing certain militants. This was acknowledged by country’s civil and military leadership during high-powered National Security Committee meeting that talking to TTP and allowing their militants to return was thoughtless policy.

Published in The Daily National Courier, June, 05 2023

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