Shafqat Ali Khan, spokesperson for Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has identified the presence of Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) sanctuaries in Afghan territory as a key issue straining relations between Pakistan and the Taliban.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Khan stated that Pakistan has raised this concern with the Taliban and insists that the matter must be resolved before any meaningful bilateral cooperation can be achieved. He emphasised that while Afghanistan is a neighbouring country, the existence of TTP safe havens on its soil continues to hinder regional stability and economic potential.
Khan warned that the long-term prospects for cooperation and the overall welfare of both nations will remain compromised unless the issue of TTP sanctuaries is addressed. He noted that this matter is at the forefront of Pakistan’s ongoing dialogue with the Taliban.
Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s expectation that the Taliban should actively collaborate with Islamabad in the fight against terrorism rather than contribute to its proliferation. Pakistan has consistently accused the Taliban of providing support and shelter to militant groups opposing Islamabad, particularly the TTP, allegations that the Taliban have repeatedly dismissed as baseless.
