Pakistan Declines China’s Call for Talks with Taliban over TTP Issue

No Change in Policy

Pakistan has declined China’s diplomatic initiative to mediate with the Taliban, reaffirming its current stance of non-engagement with the Afghan regime. Islamabad cited the Taliban’s failure to alter its position on the presence of the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other terrorist groups operating from Afghan soil as the main reason.

China’s Mediation Efforts

China recently intensified diplomatic outreach by sending its special envoy on Afghanistan to both Kabul and Islamabad. Foreign Minister Wang Yi also spoke by phone with Afghanistan’s acting Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi to discuss the ongoing tensions. Beijing encouraged both countries to exercise restraint, hold direct talks, and resolve disputes peacefully.

Pakistan’s Response

Sources familiar with the discussions said Pakistan appreciated China’s efforts but emphasized that meaningful progress was impossible without tangible changes on the ground. Pakistani authorities told the Chinese envoy that all diplomatic avenues had been exhausted, and the Taliban had not addressed Islamabad’s concerns.

Taliban officials maintained that the TTP issue was Pakistan’s internal matter and denied using Afghan territory for attacks on neighboring countries. Pakistan rejected this, citing evidence, including United Nations Security Council reports, confirming TTP activity in Afghanistan.

Official Statement

At a weekly briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi reaffirmed Pakistan’s position. He stated that Islamabad requires verifiable assurances from Kabul that Afghan territory will not be used for terrorism against Pakistan. Since no such guarantees have been received, Pakistan will continue its existing policy.

Despite the hardline stance, officials indicated a temporary pause in hostilities during Eid could still be possible.
NEWS DESK 
PRESS UPDATE