RASC News Agency: Irfan Siddiqui, Chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs in Pakistan, stated during a closed-door briefing on Afghanistan that early signs of a diplomatic thaw are emerging between Islamabad and the Taliban. He further revealed that high-level official visits to Afghanistan are being planned for the near future. In a statement posted on the social platform X on Monday, April 14, Pakistan’s Special Envoy for Afghanistan noted that the latest session involved a “frank and constructive exchange” on regional dynamics and the prospective course of bilateral relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Following the meeting, Siddiqui reiterated to reporters that a shift in tone is evident in Pakistan-Taliban interactions. Citing Special Envoy Sadiq Khan, he noted, “A series of high-level visits are being scheduled, and it is anticipated that these engagements will pave the way for the resumption of bilateral dialogue.” However, Siddiqui refrained from providing details about the destinations or the officials expected to participate in these visits. He did, however, confirm that the issue of support for the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) was explicitly raised with the Taliban authorities in Kabul.
“The Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan operates through a network of disparate factions,” he stated. “Pakistan’s formal position on this matter is currently under systematic review and clarification.” Siddiqui’s remarks come against the backdrop of continued diplomatic strain, with no substantive breakthroughs in Pakistan-Taliban relations thus far. Friction remains high, particularly regarding the presence and activities of TTP militants on Afghanistan’s territory.
Just recently, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif once again emphasized that terrorist groups are orchestrating cross-border attacks from Afghanistan’s soil. In response, a deputy spokesperson for the Taliban dismissed the allegations, asserting that Afghanistan bears no responsibility for Pakistan’s internal security problems labeling them as Islamabad’s domestic issues.
