The Afghan Taliban have shown a notable shift in their position towards the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), according to a visiting Pakistani delegation that recently concluded a visit to Kabul.
As reported by The Express Tribune, this marks a significant development in bilateral ties following months of strained relations between the two neighbours.
Members of the Pakistani delegation observed that, for the first time, the Taliban appeared to be taking Islamabad’s security concerns seriously. “Everyone in the delegation noted a change in the Afghan Taliban’s stance towards the TTP,” a member of the visiting team told The Express Tribune.
While the delegation did not disclose specific actions taken by the Taliban, they described the overall response as “positive,” suggesting that the Taliban authorities are beginning to act on Pakistan’s longstanding demands. “Let’s see the outcome of those steps in the coming days. At least, they have shown seriousness,” the official added.
Sources attribute this apparent shift in approach to multiple factors, including Afghanistan’s deteriorating economic conditions, the continued suspension of US aid, and increasing diplomatic pressure from Pakistan.
The Pakistani delegation visited Kabul on Wednesday, 16 April, where they held meetings with senior Taliban officials. Pakistan’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, Mohammad Sadiq, met with Taliban acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and participated in the 7th round of the Afghanistan–Pakistan Joint Coordination Committee. The meeting was held privately, behind closed doors.
Senior Taliban military leaders, including Deputy Minister of Defence Mullah Abdul Qayyum Zakir, were also present at the talks. Upon returning to Islamabad, Mohammad Sadiq described the discussions as vital for addressing “sensitive and strategic matters.”
In a statement posted to his X (formerly Twitter) account, Sadiq wrote: “Regular and sustained engagement through such mechanisms is essential to ease tensions, dispel doubts, and strengthen mutual understanding in bilateral ties.”
Both sides reportedly agreed to refrain from using provocative language or engaging in public blame games — a move seen as a step towards deescalating tensions.
This was the first meeting of the Joint Coordination Committee in over 15 months. The last round took place in Islamabad but was suspended amid worsening tensions over the Taliban’s alleged harbouring of TTP elements.
Pakistan has consistently urged the Taliban to prevent the TTP from operating within Afghan territory and launching cross-border attacks. The Taliban, for their part, have publicly denied the presence of TTP fighters on Afghan soil.
Coinciding with the Pakistani delegation’s visit to Kabul, a high-level Taliban delegation led by Industry and Commerce Minister Nooruddin Azizi travelled to Islamabad. The group included officials from the ministries of foreign affairs, finance, agriculture, refugees, administrative affairs, and civil aviation.
The primary aims of the Taliban delegation’s visit were to address trade barriers, extend the Afghanistan–Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement, and discuss the status of Afghan refugees residing in Pakistan.
