Pakistan Warns Taliban against Blaming TTP for Truce Breaches

DID Press: Pakistan’s Defense Minister warned the Taliban government not to attribute ceasefire violations to Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), saying that ongoing negotiations between Islamabad and Kabul are being facilitated through Turkish and Qatari diplomatic channels.

Speaking to Pakistan’s Geo News, Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif said recent talks have been conducted solely with the Taliban authorities and not directly with the TTP. He cautioned that the Taliban should not claim that TTP has refused to observe the ceasefire or shift responsibility for any violations to the group.

Asif noted that discussions between the two countries have so far been calm and constructive, adding that any breach of the agreement will be jointly reviewed. He confirmed that mediation and consultations have been carried out through Turkey and Qatar, resulting in only a limited preliminary understanding.

While describing the current situation as “manageable but delicate,” Asif warned that intelligence indicates some militant elements have mingled with urban populations inside Afghanistan and are planning attacks against Pakistan from there.

The minister added that the next round of talks is expected to take place in Turkey between October 25 and 27, reaffirming that the dialogue is exclusively with the Afghan Taliban — not the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan.