A recent trip to Kandahar and Kabul provided some glimpses into how senior Taliban officials view Pakistan’s displeasure with their counter-terrorism efforts. The Pakistan army chief had in his address to the jirga reportedly shot down the suggestion by the Afghan Taliban to resume talks with the TTP. The jirga was told that talks will only be held with the Taliban regime as the TTP is in their territory. The order says all those using Afghan soil for terrorism in neighbouring countries will have to face consequences if found involved; and they will be dealt with under the law of the land. “How can we then tolerate any threats or attacks on the interests of our neighbours,” an official in Kabul asked.

Source: The Express Tribune August 27, 2023 13:03 UTC