Islamabad: Dr. Muhammad Khan, an international relations expert, has raised concerns over the influence of New Delhi on both the Afghan Taliban and Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). According to Dr. Khan, the Afghan negotiators participating in the Istanbul talks are reportedly following directives from New Delhi, which is alleged to use the Afghan Taliban against Pakistan. The current situation is seen as an attempt to derail peace talks between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban regime, with the aim of buying time and exerting pressure on Pakistan.
According to Radio Pakistan, Dr. Khan emphasized that the international community, and particularly the Muslim world, should recognize that the Afghan Taliban and TTP share a common agenda rooted in terrorism. While their operations are currently focused on Pakistan, there is an anticipated threat to neighboring countries such as Iran, Central Asian states, China, and Russia. These groups are seen as tools for achieving the strategic objectives of their handlers, who aim to destabilize the region.
Dr. Khan further stated that it is crucial to alert the Afghan public to the detrimental impact of these militant groups, which have held the populace hostage over the past four years. The groups are accused of denying basic services like health and education to the Afghan people by fostering tension along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. There is a call for a more widespread message to the Afghan public to reject these militant entities, which are seen as components of a broader terrorist network.
The expert also pointed out that the Afghan Taliban regime lacks legitimacy as it is not an elected government, explaining the lack of international recognition. Dr. Khan urged Pakistan to engage with regional countries to highlight the increasing threat of terrorism emanating from Afghanistan. He suggested that a conference of foreign ministers from regional nations could be organized in Afghanistan, Iran, or Central Asian states to address these concerns. The potential for the spread of terrorism from Afghanistan poses a significant risk to the entire region, necessitating coordinated efforts to counteract the agendas of those supporting the Taliban regime.
