As tensions rising between Pakistan and the Taliban, Pakistan’s special representative for Afghanistan said he had discussed regional security concerns with Uzbekistan’s envoy.
Mohammad Sadiq said he held talks with Ismatilla Irgashev on the security challenges facing neighbouring countries, citing what he described as the Taliban’s hosting of militant groups.
In a post on X, Sadiq said that, according to reports, more than 2,500 Uzbek militants are based in Afghanistan. He claimed they likely constitute the second-largest militant group in the country after Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan.
Relations between Islamabad and the Taliban have deteriorated further following Pakistan’s recent airstrikes in Nangarhar Province and Paktika Province. Pakistan said the strikes targeted fighters linked to the TTP and Islamic State-Khorasan and killed at least 70 militants.
The Taliban said the airstrikes hit civilian areas. The United Nations said at least 13 civilians were killed and seven wounded in a strike in Nangarhar and reported no civilian casualties in Paktika.
Although Uzbekistan maintains close political and economic ties with the Taliban authorities, Central Asian countries have repeatedly voiced concern about the presence of militant groups in Afghanistan. Reports by the United Nations Security Council have confirmed the presence of several armed groups in the country, including the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan.
