RASC News Agency: Mohammad Sadiq, Pakistan’s Special Envoy for Afghanistan, has announced his arrival in Kabul, accompanied by a high-ranking delegation, to hold discussions with Taliban officials. In a statement published on X, Sadiq emphasized his anticipation of engaging in substantive talks with Taliban ministers to strengthen bilateral ties and foster mutual cooperation. On Tuesday, December 24, Sadiq wrote that he had arrived in Kabul the previous day and had received a warm reception from the Taliban. He stated, “I am eager to engage in meaningful discussions with Taliban ministers to advance mutually beneficial cooperation in various domains and to deepen the fraternal relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan.”
This marks Sadiq’s first official visit to Afghanistan following his reappointment as Pakistan’s Special Envoy for Afghanistan by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on December 6. Sadiq had previously served in this role from 2020 to 2022. The visit takes place amidst escalating tensions between Islamabad and Kabul over recent attacks by Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) targeting Pakistan’s military. The Pakistani government has openly accused the Afghanistani Taliban of harboring and supporting TTP militants.
Pakistani officials have reiterated their concerns about TTP sanctuaries in Afghanistan and have consistently urged the Taliban to prevent the group from using Afghanistan territory for hostile activities. However, the Taliban have denied these allegations, asserting that Pakistan must address its domestic challenges without shifting the blame onto Afghanistan. This high-level engagement underscores the complexities of the regional dynamics, with both nations navigating strained relations while seeking avenues for collaboration.
