Kabul Must Act Against Militants Before Pakistan Talks Can Succeed

China’s efforts to reopen dialogue between Islamabad and Kabul are welcome, but they cannot succeed on goodwill alone. Pakistan’s Foreign Office says the Taliban must make a firm commitment to end support for terrorist groups based on Afghan soil.

During a briefing, the Foreign Office welcomed Beijing’s attempt to bridge the gap between the two sides. China’s envoy for Afghanistan recently visited Pakistan, reportedly to revive the Urumqi process. The ministry also described the Afghan ambassador’s appearance at Pakistan’s National Defence University as “not unusual”. Yet the timing of that engagement, while bilateral relations are near rock bottom, gives it added significance.

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not unusual

The main barrier to peace remains the presence of terrorist groups in Afghanistan. Pakistan’s military media wing, the ISPR, said several militants attempting to cross the Afghan border had been eliminated. It also stated that “the Afghan Taliban regime has consistently failed to ensure border management”.

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the Afghan Taliban regime has consistently failed to ensure border management

The Taliban has reportedly relocated TTP fighters and their families away from the common border, while its supreme leader has asked the banned group to stop attacks on Pakistan. Dawn characterizes these steps as cosmetic, arguing that the latest border firefight shows they have had little effect on the TTP and other militant groups.

For diplomacy to move forward, Pakistan says Kabul must provide “verifiable, written assurances” that Afghan territory will not be used against Pakistan. China wants stability to protect its investments in Afghanistan and counter anti-China groups such as ETIM. Pakistan says it remains ready for dialogue, but the next move belongs to Kabul: it must stop cross-border movement by militants and create conditions for talks.

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verifiable, written assurances