Akram Claims Influence over Taliban’s TTP Policy

“Diplomatic Leverage: Akram on Shaping Taliban’s TTP Approach”

Pakistan(Staff Reporter): Islamabad had hoped that under Taliban control, anti-Pakistan militant groups like the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) would be curtailed. However, contrary to these expectations, the Afghan Taliban have not only failed to take action against such groups but have also offered them refuge.

Three years later, relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have deteriorated significantly, raising doubts about the effectiveness of Islamabad’s Afghan policy.

In an interview with The Express Tribune, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Munir Akram, suggested that this situation should not be seen as a failure of Pakistan’s strategy. According to Akram, policy approaches often shift with changes in government.

He explained that the TTP issue remains unresolved due to internal divisions within Afghanistan. Akram highlighted that organizations like Al-Qaeda and the TTP have long-standing connections with the Taliban. While Pakistan has consistently pursued a peaceful resolution to deal with the TTP, the Taliban’s internal conflicts have led them to adopt a more lenient approach toward these militant groups.

“Pakistan has consistently aimed to address this issue through peaceful means, but progress has been hampered by internal divisions within the Taliban,” Akram stated.

He noted that the Afghan Taliban share an “ideological connection” with the TTP.

“Pakistan has been committed to resolving this matter peacefully from the outset,” the ambassador said. “However, if cross-border terrorism persists, Pakistan is prepared to respond as needed.”

Akram emphasized the importance of addressing terrorism, given Afghanistan’s proximity. “Our efforts are ongoing on multiple fronts. First, we are implementing actions under the National Action Plan to prevent infiltration. Second, we are working to convince the Taliban that the presence of terrorist groups harms not just Pakistan and the region, but also the Taliban themselves.”

In response to questions about why the Afghan Taliban have not acted against the TTP despite Pakistan’s efforts, Akram rejected the notion that the Taliban are denying the presence of these groups on Afghan soil.

“It’s your assumption that we can’t influence Taliban policy; that’s not our view,” he stressed. “Whether dealing with the Taliban or any other entity, governments will always strive to change policies through diplomacy, and our efforts in this regard are ongoing.”

“We are pursuing this at bilateral, regional, and international levels,” he added.

Akram pointed out that a recent UN monitoring report supports Pakistan’s position.

Akram Claims Influence over Taliban’s TTP Policy

“We need to build international consensus on prioritizing and addressing the issue of terrorism,” he said.

He also dismissed the possibility of the Afghan Taliban gaining international recognition in the near future. According to Akram, any potential recognition of the Taliban and the lifting of sanctions will depend on the interim Afghan government’s actions against terrorism

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