ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — Asif Durrani, Pakistan’s former special envoy for Afghanistan, has labelled Sirajuddin Haqqani, the Taliban’s interior minister, a significant threat to the stability of the Taliban regime.
Speaking at a forum held in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Ambassador Hall, Mr. Durrani expressed concerns about the growing influence of the Pakistani Taliban, known as Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), in eastern Afghanistan. He warned that Haqqani’s influence could become an even greater danger to the Taliban’s internal cohesion.
“Haqqani’s position poses a formidable threat to the regime, particularly given the current circumstances,” Mr. Durrani said.
Taliban’s internal divisions
Mr. Durrani noted that while three senior Taliban ministers have reportedly supported a directive from Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada prohibiting jihad in Pakistan, Akhundzada himself has yet to publicly issue such an order.
Meanwhile, retired Pakistani General Inam-ul-Haq warned that the TTP is increasingly aligning itself with Haqqani’s faction. “The TTP is gradually transforming into Sirajuddin Haqqani’s militia,” he said, adding that the group operates with relative freedom in Haqqani-controlled areas like Khost, Paktia, Paktika, and Nangarhar.
Pakistan, which has faced a year marked by significant instability and attacks linked to the TTP, accuses the Taliban of harboring the group in Afghanistan. Despite historically close ties, the two governments remain at odds over this issue.
“Hand over the TTP to us, which of course they won’t,” Mr. Durrani remarked, accusing the Taliban of using cultural customs, such as Pashtunwali, or Islamic principles selectively to justify their stance.
Mr. Durrani also suggested that TTP safe havens might exist in Kandahar, now the Taliban’s political capital. “Haqqani is a serious threat to the regime in Afghanistan, with his own network and ambitions. At this stage, he could become even more dangerous,” he said.
Diverging approaches within the Taliban
General Haq highlighted internal dynamics within the Taliban regarding their relationship with the TTP. He noted that TTP fighters hosted in Haqqani-controlled areas are increasingly modeling themselves after Haqqani’s forces. “The TTP is becoming an extension of Haqqani’s militias. Kandahar’s pressure on them seems limited,” he said.
Durrani echoed these concerns, questioning Haqqani’s loyalty to Pakistan. “He claims to be a great friend of Pakistan, but is he running with the hare and hunting with the hounds?”
The Taliban have repeatedly denied accusations of collaboration with the TTP, dismissing such claims as baseless.
