- Asif Durrani says that it is too early to speculate on the result.
- “Pakistani military operations denied the TTP any territorial control.”
- On the transfer of terrorists, the envoy says, “We will have to wait and see the outcome.”
Pakistan has acknowledged the steps being taken by the Afghan-led interim government to effectively deal with cross-border terrorism and termed the transfer of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) terrorists from the border areas as a significant development.
Pakistan’s Special Representative on Afghanistan Asif Durrani told voice of america Afghanistan’s interim rulers have recently taken some steps to address neighbors including Pakistan as well as cross-border terrorist concerns from China.
“But it is too early to speculate on the outcome,” he cautioned.
Pakistan has witnessed an increase in terrorist attacks after the Afghan Taliban returned to power in August 2021 and called on the interim rulers to take decisive action against terrorists including the TTP responsible for cross-border attacks.
“It is a serious issue. But steps are being taken to neutralize TTP. We should also understand that it will take some time, but the process has started,” Durrani said in response to the recent Taliban announcement Said TTP terrorists are being transferred. Away from the Afghan areas bordering Pakistan.
The envoy said, “This is a step that the Afghan government is taking, so we will have to wait and see the results. It is still in the initial stages, so it is too early to comment.” “But if this transfer of TTP can actually happen and peace can come to our borders, that would be a significant development and we would welcome it.”
Durrani said that Pakistani military operations have deprived the TTP of any territorial control and their relocation from border areas shows that they have now become a “liability” to the Afghan Taliban as well.
Durrani said, “Comparatively, Afghanistan is very peaceful now but there are TTP, ETIM and other groups which are a matter of concern. Both Pakistan and China hope that the Afghan government will take practical steps.”
“As President Biden has also indicated the cooperation of the Afghan Taliban and the US authorities in taking counter-terrorism steps, we expect the same and the process has begun. Hopefully, we will get some positive results in the near future.” Durrani told visa on arrival,
