Taliban Offers ‘Two Steps’ Toward De-Escalation if Pakistan Moves First

DID Press: Taliban has signaled readiness to take additional steps to ease tensions with Pakistan, stating it would make “two positive moves” if Islamabad initiates de-escalation.

The position was expressed by Abdul Wasi during a meeting with Richard Lindsay, where he emphasized the group’s desire to end ongoing tensions between the two sides.

According to a statement from the Taliban administration, Abdul Wasi condemned recent Pakistani strikes on residential areas and the Sayed Jamaluddin Afghani University in Kunar Province, describing attacks on civilians, women, and children as unjustifiable. He also called on friendly countries to properly assess the situation and hold the responsible party accountable.

The remarks follow reports that Pakistani forces carried out rocket attacks on the provincial capital of Kunar, including parts of Asadabad and the Sarkano district. Health sources in the province reported at least seven fatalities and 75 injuries as a result of the strikes.

Meanwhile, authorities in Pakistan rejected the allegations. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting of Pakistan described claims of attacks on civilian infrastructure as “baseless,” accusing the Taliban of attempting to deflect attention from alleged support for militant groups.