The Acting Foreign Minister of Afghanistan, Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, has called for dialogue between Pakistan and the banned militant outfit Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) as terrorism continues to claim innocent lives in Pakistan.
During an event in Islamabad on Monday, Muttaqi, who is on a four-day visit to Pakistan to attend bilateral and trilateral dialogues, also highlighted the similarities between the challenges faced by Pakistan and Afghanistan, noting that both countries have been through various situations and must work together towards a brighter future.
Acknowledging Pakistan’s loss in the fight against terrorism, Muttaqi said: “In the last 20 years, Pakistan has lost 80,000 lives to terrorism.” He added that both countries must show flexibility and move towards economic progress, with Afghanistan keen to maintain economic ties with Pakistan.
Muttaqi suggested that bilateral progress could increase tenfold with Pakistan’s investment in Afghanistan’s energy reserves, adding that many problems, including livelihood and unemployment, could be controlled by working together. He also spoke about maintaining excellent ties with nations such as Iran, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, and developing economic relations with Pakistan and Central Asia.
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Regarding the Taliban’s government in Afghanistan, Muttaqi said that several problems had been overcome by the grace of Allah, with Afghan women already working in various fields, including healthcare, and studying in different madrassahs.
In recent months, the security situation in Pakistan’s northern and southwestern provinces has deteriorated, prompting authorities to renew their commitment to eliminating terrorism. Despite having engaged in multiple rounds of talks with the banned TTP, negotiations collapsed last year, resulting in an increase in terrorist activities by the militant group. The Taliban administration’s inability to control the TTP’s violent activities has provoked Islamabad’s anger.
Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi’s appeal for dialogue between Pakistan and the TTP is noteworthy, and Pakistan may view it as a goodwill gesture. However, it remains to be seen if the TTP will respond positively to this overture.
On Sunday, Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Asim Munir, emphasized the importance of enhanced cooperation between Pakistan and Afghanistan to tackle common challenges of terrorism and extremism effectively. In a meeting with the Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, both discussed mutual interests related to regional security, border management, and formalization of bilateral security mechanisms for the improvement of the current security environment. The army chief stressed the need for full support and commitment from the neighbouring country.
The visiting dignitary acknowledged Pakistan’s traditional support for the people of Afghanistan and expressed a desire to work closely with Pakistan to promote regional stability and prosperity. In a meeting between Pakistan and Afghanistan, both sides acknowledged the significance of maintaining frequent communication to enhance bilateral relations and to address shared concerns.
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