Pakistan Rejects Afghan Taliban’s Offer to Relocate TTP Militants

News Desk 

Islamabad: Pakistan has rejected a proposal by the Afghan Taliban to relocate Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants to another area within Afghanistan, insisting instead that Kabul take “decisive action” against the group.

According to diplomatic sources, the second round of talks between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban concluded late Saturday night in Istanbul after more than nine hours of negotiations. 

The discussions, which began at 2:30 pm and continued through a working dinner, were hosted by Turkey and focused on regional security, counterterrorism efforts, and the presence of TTP elements operating from Afghan soil.

The Afghan delegation reportedly floated the idea of relocating TTP fighters as a confidence-building measure to reduce tensions. 

However, Pakistan’s delegation rejected the offer, reiterating that the Afghan Taliban must prevent the use of their territory for terrorism in line with commitments made to the international community.

Sources said Pakistan emphasized that no alternative arrangement could substitute for decisive and verifiable action against TTP militants responsible for recent cross-border attacks.

The Istanbul talks — described by diplomatic observers as “frank and focused” — are part of ongoing international efforts to defuse tensions and improve coordination between the two neighbors on counterterrorism and border management.

Officials confirmed that discussions will continue for three days, with both sides expected to explore the formation of a joint mechanism to curb cross-border militancy. Pakistan has also presented a set of proposals aimed at stopping the infiltration of armed groups from Afghan territory.

Meanwhile, hundreds of vehicles remain stranded at major border crossings, including Torkham, Kharlachi, Angoor Adda, Ghulam Khan, Chaman, South and North Waziristan, and Kurram, following the closure of these routes over the past 15 days.

The previous round of talks between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban was held in Doha, Qatar, where both sides had agreed on a temporary ceasefire and pledged to continue dialogue on security cooperation.