KABUL, Afghanistan — A Pakistani delegation visiting Kabul on Friday held talks with the Taliban focused on cross-border militancy, particularly the activities of Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), according to sources familiar with the discussions.
The visit by Sadiq Khan, Pakistan’s special representative to Afghanistan, coincided with the full reopening of the Torkham border crossing on Saturday after nearly a month of closure, signaling a potential thaw in tensions between the two sides.
Khan’s trip comes at a time of escalating strains between Islamabad and the Taliban, driven by a surge in cross-border violence, mounting security concerns and Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to deport thousands of Afghan migrants. Sources said Khan conveyed messages from the Pakistani government on counterterrorism cooperation, border security, bilateral relations and broader regional stability.
During the visit, Khan met with Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Taliban’s acting foreign minister, and is expected to hold additional meetings with Nooruddin Azizi, the Taliban’s acting minister of commerce, along with other senior officials.
“Pakistan is trying to engage the Afghan Taliban to manage its internal instability,” said Faiz Mohammad Zaland, a political analyst and university professor. “Pakistani officials believe that TTP militants are carrying out attacks on Pakistani soil from Afghanistan, either with Taliban support or under their protection.”
Relations between the two sides have deteriorated significantly in recent years, marked by diplomatic friction and Pakistani airstrikes on Afghan territory targeting militant groups. Pakistan has accused the Taliban of providing safe haven to TTP fighters and other extremist organizations.
In recent weeks, tensions flared following the Jaffer Express hostage crisis in Pakistan, after which the Pakistani military alleged that the attackers used equipment linked to both the Taliban and India. The Taliban have denied any involvement.
Airstrikes attributed to Pakistan have targeted areas in the Afghan provinces of Paktia, Paktika, Khost and Nuristan, raising fears of further escalation.
Despite repeated calls for cooperation, Islamabad continues to assert that Afghanistan under Taliban rule has become a launchpad for attacks against Pakistan — a claim the Taliban reject.
