KABUL: Amidst the formation of a new coalition government in Pakistan, the Afghanistan Interim Government has expressed willingness to improve relations with Islamabad, particularly regarding the deportation of illegal Afghan refugees.
In a statement to the Taliban-run Radio Television Afghanistan (RTA), Afghanistan Interim Government spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid conveyed aspirations for constructive engagement with Pakistan following the formation of a coalition government led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Mujahid emphasized the Taliban’s desire for positive relations with Pakistan across various spheres, including economic, diplomatic, cultural, and religious domains. He expressed hope that the new Pakistani government would consider fostering cooperation in these areas.
However, relations between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban have been strained, primarily due to concerns over terrorist attacks by the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), an ally of the Afghan Taliban, operating from Afghan soil. Islamabad has repeatedly highlighted this issue, attributing attacks in Pakistan to TTP militants based in Afghanistan.
Afghanistan Interim Government’s Failure to Control TTP Attacks
Despite not extending formal congratulations to the new government, the Taliban has signaled its willingness to mend ties with Islamabad. However, political analysts remain skeptical about the prospects for improved relations, citing the Taliban’s failure to control TTP attacks in Pakistan as a significant obstacle.
The longstanding strategic and familial ties between the Taliban and TTP, established since the latter’s inception in 2007, continue to influence relations between the Afghan Taliban and Islamabad, posing challenges to bilateral engagement.
