ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — Pakistani officials have presented evidence to China’s special envoy for Afghanistan regarding the presence and threats of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) operating from Afghan territory, local media reported.
During meetings with Chinese envoy Yue Xiaoyong, Pakistani officials warned of regional threats stemming from Afghanistan under Taliban rule. The discussions reportedly centered on concerns about the TTP’s activities in Afghanistan and its impact on regional stability.
Neither Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs nor its Chinese counterpart have publicly disclosed details of the meetings. However, Pakistani media, citing sources, reported that evidence of the TTP’s presence and operations in Afghanistan was a focal point of the talks.
Regional concerns and security talks
The Chinese envoy’s visit to Islamabad included meetings with Amina Baloch, Pakistan’s deputy foreign minister, and Ahmad Naseem Waraich, the foreign ministry’s deputy for Afghanistan and West Asia. According to a statement from Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the discussions focused on Afghanistan’s situation and its implications for regional stability.
“The special envoy of China for Afghanistan, Yue Xiaoyong, met with Amina Baloch and Ahmad Naseem Waraich to discuss the situation in Afghanistan and regional stability,” the ministry said.
While official statements remained limited, reports indicated that Pakistani officials used the meetings to share intelligence on the TTP’s activities in Afghanistan and highlight the group’s growing threat to the region.
Broader diplomatic efforts
The discussions come amid heightened regional concern over Afghanistan’s role as a potential base for militant activities. Just days before Yue’s visit, Zamir Kabulov, Russia’s special envoy for Afghanistan, held similar talks with Pakistani officials, focusing on regional security and threats emanating from Afghanistan.
Experts view these regional consultations as part of broader efforts by Pakistan to leverage the influence of China and Russia over the Taliban to address security concerns related to the TTP.
Relations between Islamabad and the Taliban have cooled in recent months, largely due to Pakistan’s concerns about the TTP’s activities. High-level engagements between the two sides have diminished, and Pakistan recently dismissed its special envoy for Afghanistan, Asif Ali Durrani, without appointing a successor.
Observers suggest that Pakistan is seeking to enlist support from Russia and China in pressuring the Taliban to take action against the TTP. Whether these efforts will yield tangible results remains uncertain.
