As Pakistan and Afghanistan reopen channels of diplomatic dialogue, a deeper concern is casting a shadow over the prospect of long-term peace: the Afghan Taliban government’s continued reluctance to act decisively against militant groups operating from its soil — particularly those targeting Pakistan.
Security officials and regional observers believe this hesitation is not without reason. According to multiple sources, the Taliban leadership fears that a crackdown on Pakistani militant groups like Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) could backfire, pushing disillusioned fighters into the arms of the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) — a growing threat in Afghanistan that has already challenged Taliban authority through attacks and recruitment.
But analysts argue that such concerns cannot justify inaction. “Kabul’s balancing act may be understandable from a tactical standpoint, but strategically it is dangerous — not just for Afghanistan, but for the entire region,” said a regional security expert. “Harboring or tolerating these groups enables violence, undermines trust, and threatens regional cooperation.”
Despite repeated demands from Pakistan and credible intelligence sharing, cross-border attacks continue, particularly targeting military posts and law enforcement personnel. Islamabad maintains that these attacks are being planned and launched from Afghan territory, while the Taliban government either denies the allegations or deflects responsibility.
During his recent visit to Kabul, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held high-level meetings with senior Taliban officials. While both sides agreed to maintain diplomatic presence — including a chargé d’affaires in Kabul — the core issue of terrorism remained unresolved.
Adding complexity to the situation, Taliban Supreme Leader Sheikh Haibatullah Akhundzada recently reaffirmed a fitwa forbidding jihad outside Afghanistan, aimed at discouraging cross-border militancy. But in the absence of enforcement mechanisms, such declarations are seen as symbolic rather than actionable.
Observers warn that the Taliban’s fear of losing control over certain factions may ultimately weaken its grip overall. “By appeasing militants to avoid defections to ISIS, the Taliban is inadvertently strengthening the narrative that Afghanistan remains a safe haven for regional terror groups,” noted a former Pakistani security officer.
Within the Taliban’s own ranks, voices calling for peaceful relations and diplomatic solutions are emerging. However, whether the leadership has the capacity — or the will — to enforce discipline across all factions remains uncertain.
With the sixth trilateral meeting between China, Pakistan, and Afghanistan on the horizon, security cooperation and counterterrorism are expected to dominate the agenda. Yet experts stress that real progress hinges on Kabul’s willingness to confront the militancy issue head-on.
Afghanistan has long aspired to become a gateway for trade and connectivity in Central and South Asia. But unless the Taliban government proves its ability to crack down on terrorist networks operating within its borders, its ambitions — and regional peace — will remain in jeopardy.
