Pakistan Rules Out Talks with Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, Urges Afghan Action

Pakistan has dismissed any possibility of talks with Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), urging Afghanistan to act against terrorists on its soil. The Foreign Office emphasized Pakistan's concern over the terror threat from entities supported across the Afghan border. The repatriation of illegal Afghan nationals is being conducted in phases.

Pakistan has dismissed any possibility of negotiating with the banned terrorist group Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), emphasizing that dialogue with those responsible for the deaths of both Pakistani and foreign nationals is out of the question. The nation has also called on Afghanistan to take decisive action against terrorists operating from its territory, as per reports from Pakistan-based Dawn.

During a weekly press conference, Pakistan's Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch clarified the country’s stance, responding to a Taliban spokesperson's offer to mediate. She stressed that such statements should be understood within Pakistan's firm position against discussing terms with TTP. Baloch highlighted that Pakistan and Afghanistan have been engaged in talks regarding terrorism concerns for several months.

Baloch articulated Pakistan's worries about the persistent terror threats from individuals and entities receiving support in Afghanistan. She reiterated Islamabad's expectations for the Taliban to exercise their sovereignty and tackle these terror elements that are exploiting Afghan soil to launch attacks on Pakistan. Moreover, Baloch provided updates on the phased repatriation of illegal Afghan nationals, mentioning efforts to return undocumented refugees and cooperation with international partners to expedite the process.