Kabul is confronted by Islamabad with “irrefutable evidence” of TTP lairs.
According to sources, the Pakistani delegation demanded ‘with no ifs and buts’ swift action against the banned group.
ISLAMABAD:
According to sources who spoke to The Express Tribune on Thursday, Pakistan has given the Afghan Taliban “irrefutable information” concerning the presence of the TTP’s (Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan), a banned organisation, and the whereabouts of its leadership in Afghanistan.
The proof was presented during a high-profile delegation’s Wednesday visit to Kabul, which was headed by Defense Minister Khawaja Asif.
Contrary to what the Afghan government said, the visit’s sole focus was on counterterrorism and the existence of TTP safe havens on Afghan soil.
It was Pakistan’s first high-level visit since the country’s leadership changed, especially in light of the recent spike in TTP-sponsored terrorist acts.
After the recent uptick in terrorist strikes, Pakistan’s civil and military leadership changed its position on the TTP and decided against holding discussions with the terrorist group.
In light of this, the Pakistani delegation demanded swift action with “no ifs and buts” in addition to sharing what sources referred to as “irrefutable evidence” about the presence of TTP leadership.
The Pakistani side faced the Afghan Taliban leadership for the first time during the visit, and crucially with the help of the interim government, with evidence that the TTP leadership was roaming freelyy in Afghanistan.
The Afghan side briefed the Pakistani side in-depth and acknowledged that terrorism was coming from Afghan land. The Pakistani delegation was given a variety of choices and answers to the issue. The presentation and solutions to the TTP issue, however, did not satisfy the Pakistani side.
Then, Pakistan disclosed proof and the “exact location” of TTP leadership in Afghanistan. Hard truths that the Afghan Taliban regime could not ignore went unmentioned in its official document.
Yet, the Afghan Taliban committed to work for regional peace and pledged to deal with the TTP members inside Afghanistan.
The vow was made following the Afghan Taliban’s unambiguous communication that Pakistan’s goodwill should not be interpreted as its weakness and demanded robust steps against the TTP.
