Pakistan has reiterated its position of non-engagement with the terror-sponsoring Taliban regime, despite increased diplomatic interventions by China aimed at de-escalating tensions along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. Islamabad has emphasized that its policy remains unchanged until the Taliban take tangible measures to address the threat posed by militant groups operating from Afghan soil.
According to informed sources, Pakistani officials conveyed to Chinese envoys that Islamabad had exhausted all diplomatic channels with the Taliban prior to the recent escalation. While China has intensified efforts, including deploying its special envoy for Afghanistan to both Kabul and Islamabad, Pakistani authorities have concluded that the Taliban leadership has not shifted its longstanding stance on the presence of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants in Afghanistan.
Taliban officials reportedly told the Chinese envoy that the TTP issue is an internal matter for Pakistan and insisted Afghan territory is not being used against neighboring countries. Pakistan rejected this claim, citing substantial evidence, including reports referenced by the United Nations Security Council, which highlight active TTP networks across Afghan territory.
In light of these developments, Islamabad has informed China that meaningful diplomatic progress is unlikely without concrete steps by Kabul to curb cross-border militancy. Pakistan’s foreign ministry spokesperson, during a regular briefing, reaffirmed that despite entreaties from friendly nations, Islamabad will maintain its current policy until credible assurances are provided by the Taliban.
Sources also noted that while Pakistan’s overall stance remains firm, a temporary pause in hostilities during the Eid holiday has not been entirely ruled out.
