Special envoys from Pakistan and Tajikistan held talks this week to address the growing threat of terrorism in the region and the urgent need for a coordinated response, Pakistani officials confirmed.
Mohammad Sadiq, Pakistan’s envoy for Afghanistan, met with his Tajik counterpart, Khisrav Sohibzoda, on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. Both diplomats emphasized the importance of developing a joint and comprehensive strategy to counter extremist threats emanating from Afghanistan.
While details of the proposed strategy were not disclosed, the discussions reflect increasing regional concerns over security following the Taliban’s return to power four years ago.
The recent suicide attack on a Pakistani security forces base near the Afghan border further escalated tensions, with Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif accusing the Taliban of complicity, stating, “Taliban terrorists are celebrating with the blood of our sons.”
Pakistan has long accused the Afghan Taliban of providing safe haven to fighters from the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). United Nations estimates suggest approximately 6,000 TTP militants are based in Afghanistan, where they allegedly operate training camps.
Tajikistan has similarly voiced alarm over militant infiltration across its border with Afghanistan. Supported by the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO), Dushanbe recently announced a three-phase, five-year plan to strengthen border security against cross-border militancy.
As regional powers grapple with the ongoing threat, cooperation between Pakistan, Tajikistan, and other neighbouring countries is seen as critical to countering terrorism and stabilising the region.
