In this Aug. 22, 2021, file photo, Taliban fighters search a vehicle at a checkpoint on the road in Kabul
Pakistan has handed over a list of most-wanted terrorists affiliated with the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) operating from the war-torn neighbouring country to the Taliban. Pakistan shared the list with Taliban chief Haibatullah Akhundzada after they took control of Kabul recently, media reports stated. Reportedly, Akhundzada had set up a three-member commission to investigate Pakistan's claim that the TTP was using Afghanistan to plot cross-border terrorist attacks.
According to a report with The Express Tribune, Islamabad is seeking action against TTP and its affiliates have already initiated talks with the terror group.
"We have taken up the issue with them (Taliban). We have given them a list of wanted TTP terrorists operating from Afghanistan," a senior Pakistani official, familiar with the development said.
The official further said that Pakistan expected the Taliban to take action against the TTP. Although the official did not share the list, it is believed that Pakistan was seeking action against the TTP chief and its other top commanders.
The Taliban has also set up a separate commission for anti-Pakistan militants to stop violence against the neighbouring country and return to their homes across the border, the Voice of America (VOA) learnt through highly-placed sources.
Quoting sources in Islamabad, the VOA reported that the TTP leaders were being warned by the commission to settle their problems with Pakistan and return to the country along with their families in exchange for a possible amnesty by the Pakistani government.
The sources have ruled out the possibility of Pakistan accepting any TTP demands, insisting the amnesty would be offered in line with the country's Constitution and law, which would require the militants to surrender their weapons.
According to the February 2020 deal between the Taliban and the US in Doha, the group cannot permit regional or transnational terrorist groups to use Afghan soil to threaten global security, the report said.
Taliban has claimed that it will not allow Afghan soil to be used for any terrorist activities.
"This concern is legitimate, and our policy is clear that we will not allow anyone to use the soil of Afghanistan against any neighbouring country, including Pakistan. So, they should not have any concern," Afghan Taliban spokesperson Suhail Shaheen told media agencies.
Shaheen added that neither the TTP nor any other terrorist groups will have any place in our country and that's a clear message to all. Since the Taliban took control over Kabul, there are growing concerns that groups such as the banned TTP may be further emboldened by the development.
The TTP chief recently issued a statement congratulating the Taliban victory and renewed allegiance to its chief Akhundzada.
There were also reports that the Taliban have released many TTP terrorists including its former deputy chief Maulvi Faqir Muhammad from jail.
(With inputs from ANI)
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