ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — Asif Durrani, a former Pakistani special envoy to Afghanistan, stated that the Taliban lacks the support of a majority of Afghanistan’s population, with 64 percent of Afghans opposing them.
In an interview with the Ambassadors’ Lounge, Durrani urged the Taliban to recognize their fragile standing, even within Afghanistan. “As legitimate rulers, 64 percent of Afghans do not support the Taliban,” he said. “They must understand that they are still far from earning legitimacy, both domestically and internationally.”
He also emphasized Pakistan’s consistent support for the Afghan people. “Pakistan has stood by Afghanistan, not just the Taliban, but the Afghan people as a whole. However, we have faced significant international criticism because of it,” Durrani added.
Durrani cautioned the Taliban against antagonizing Pakistan, particularly over the activities of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), an insurgent group reportedly operating from Afghan soil. Referring to Pakistan’s recent airstrikes in the Barmal district of Afghanistan’s Paktika province, he described the action as a “warning shot.”
“This is a message,” he said. “The Taliban must understand that they cannot have their cake and eat it too. If they believe they have international support, they are mistaken. More than 40 countries may engage with them, but none have officially recognized their government.”
Is Pakistan’s Policy Toward the Taliban Shifting?
Ayaz Muhammad Khan, a former Pakistani ambassador to Romania, dismissed claims of a fundamental shift in Pakistan’s foreign policy. He noted, however, that Pakistan sought to deliver a clear signal to the Taliban regarding its tolerance for TTP activity.
“There has been no fundamental change in Pakistan’s policy,” Mr. Khan said. “The recent airstrikes were meant to show that if the situation escalates further, it will become untenable—not just for Pakistan’s government, but for its people.”
Tensions Between Allies
Pakistan has historically been one of the Taliban’s most strategic allies, with decades of support for the group. However, relations appear increasingly strained due to allegations of TTP activity in Afghanistan and cross-border attacks targeting Pakistan.
The Taliban, for their part, deny harboring TTP operatives and have countered with claims that ISIS-Khorasan, a rival group, has established sanctuaries in Pakistan to launch attacks against Afghanistan.
