Pakistan Urges Taliban to Act Against TTP, BLA

Download IPFS

Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan have committed to bolstering joint efforts against terrorism, with Pakistan urging the Taliban authorities to take decisive and verifiable actions against groups operating from Afghan soil.

Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, accompanied by his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, visited Kabul on Wednesday to attend a trilateral meeting with Afghan officials. The discussions centered on political, security, and economic cooperation. This was Wang Yi’s first visit to Afghanistan since the Taliban retook control.

During discussions with Afghan Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, Dar expressed concerns over the presence of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), and the Majeed Brigade in Afghanistan. He noted a recent increase in attacks within Pakistan attributed to militants operating across the border, urging verifiable actions against these groups.

According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, Dar acknowledged advancements in political and commercial ties with Kabul but expressed concerns over delays in security cooperation. Muttaqi assured that Afghanistan would not permit its territory to be used against Pakistan or any other country.

China also expressed security concerns, with Wang Yi urging the Taliban authorities to address Beijing’s concerns regarding the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM). He emphasized that regional peace and stability are crucial for economic development.

At the trilateral meeting, the three countries reaffirmed their commitment to combating terrorism and enhancing cooperation in trade, transit, education, health, and culture. They also discussed the extension of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) into Afghanistan as part of broader regional connectivity initiatives.

Dar observed that elevating diplomatic representation between Pakistan and Afghanistan from charge d’affaires to ambassadorial level marked a positive step forward. He emphasized that the trilateral dialogue is crucial for strengthening relations and opening new avenues of prosperity in the region.

Muttaqi, speaking at the session, stated that Afghanistan aims to move beyond being viewed solely through the lens of conflict and instead position itself as a hub for regional economic activity. He emphasized the importance of separating political disputes from economic cooperation, noting that peace and prosperity remain the shared aspirations of the people.

Wang Yi highlighted China’s growing ties with Afghanistan, which now extend beyond trade to infrastructure, health, and education. He expressed hope that Kabul would continue on a path toward stability, opening opportunities for regional development.

The three ministers agreed to enhance mutual connectivity and address barriers to trade and transit. They underscored the need for practical steps to achieve sustainable peace, security, and economic growth across the region.

The trilateral meeting comes at a critical time, with Afghanistan working to stabilize its economy and redefine relations with its neighbors. Pakistan and China, as key partners, are expected to play a significant role in shaping this process.