Washington Sends Signal as Islamabad Confronts Kabul Over TTP
ISLAMABAD: Just days after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif delivered a stern ultimatum to the Afghan Taliban — to choose between maintaining friendly ties with Pakistan or supporting the outlawed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) — a senior US official has urged Islamabad to pursue a political solution with Kabul instead of relying solely on military means.
Former US special envoy to Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad, has called on Pakistan to initiate negotiations with the Afghan Taliban and explore political channels to tackle the growing threat of cross-border militancy. Khalilzad’s comments come after a recent visit to Kabul alongside US hostage envoy Adam Boehler, during which he met top figures in the Taliban regime.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Khalilzad acknowledged the loss of Pakistani lives due to TTP violence and stressed that a military-first approach would be a strategic mistake. He drew a parallel with Pakistan’s own past advice to the US:
“The Pakistani establishment consistently advised the US and Afghan governments to negotiate with the Taliban. The time has come for Pakistan to consider doing the same.”
Imran Khan and Khalilzad Align on Dialogue as Militancy Rises in KP
Khalilzad’s remarks mirror the sentiments of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, currently incarcerated, who also issued a statement on social media calling for dialogue instead of military operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa — the province hardest hit by TTP-linked violence and where his party, PTI, remains in power.
Khan criticized the current approach, saying:
“This approach can never establish peace. Lasting peace only comes through dialogue.”
He alleged that military actions in the region were politically motivated, aimed at undermining PTI’s governance, and warned that increasing instability would cripple both law and order and public trust. Khan urged KP lawmakers to urgently coordinate with the provincial government and requested his political ally, Mahmood Khan Achakzai, to send a peace delegation to Afghanistan.
Meanwhile, tensions remain high between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban following PM Shehbaz’s bold statement during a visit to Bannu alongside Army Chief Gen Asim Munir:
“Afghanistan must choose — Pakistan or the TTP.”
Though the US has historically commended Pakistan’s counterterror efforts — including the arrest of an IS-Khorasan operative involved in the 2021 Kabul airport attack — Khalilzad’s latest comments suggest a subtle shift in Washington’s stance, favoring regional political engagement over military escalation.
Khalilzad, known in Washington for his critical stance on Pakistan and open support for Imran Khan, also recently alleged that IS-Khorasan leaders have relocated into Pakistan, raising fresh concerns about the country becoming a “safe haven” for extremist groups.
