Pakistan Says Taliban Warning to TTP Is Not Enough

DID Press: Pakistani officials say a reported warning from the Taliban leadership to the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) to halt attacks inside Pakistan is insufficient without concrete and verifiable action, stressing that Islamabad’s security concerns remain unresolved.

According to Pakistani sources, Taliban representatives have informally conveyed that Hibatullah Akhundzada warned the TTP that continued attacks in Pakistan could result in the group losing Taliban support. However, Pakistani officials argue that such messages have not translated into measurable changes on the ground.

A senior Pakistani official said the Taliban have yet to demonstrate a clear policy toward militant groups operating from Afghan territory and claimed that recruitment into extremist networks continues, contributing to ongoing distrust between the two sides.

Despite the tensions, diplomatic efforts to prevent further deterioration in relations have continued. Officials from Pakistan and Afghanistan reportedly held a week of discussions in Urumqi last month, talks that China described as constructive. Pakistan, however, maintains that cross-border attacks have persisted.

A joint Pakistan-China statement also called on the Taliban to take decisive action against the TTP, the East Turkestan Islamic Movement, and other armed networks.

Relations between Islamabad and Kabul have been strained by recurring border tensions, temporary closures of key trade crossings, and Pakistani cross-border strikes targeting alleged TTP positions. Pakistani officials say they have repeatedly shared evidence of TTP leaders and fighters operating in Afghanistan, but that a gap remains between Taliban assurances and practical measures.