Quick Read
- Pakistan and the EU have called for a political process in Afghanistan under the UN-led Doha process.
- Pakistan accuses the Afghan Taliban of sheltering TTP fighters, a claim Kabul denies.
- UN Security Council reports confirm TTP’s significant presence inside Afghanistan.
- Pakistan Army engages religious scholars and students in public dialogue about TTP and national security.
TTP’s Presence in Afghanistan: The Roots of a Growing Rift
The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has long been a flashpoint in the complex web of Pakistan-Afghanistan relations. In recent months, this issue has moved from the shadows to center stage, with both diplomatic and public discourse highlighting its impact on regional stability. The latest round of talks between Pakistan and the European Union in Brussels has underscored just how pivotal the TTP question has become—not just for Islamabad, but for the broader region and international actors seeking peace in Afghanistan.
The joint statement from Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, voiced concern over Afghanistan’s worsening social and economic conditions. Yet, the subtext was clear: the future of Afghan stability is inseparable from addressing the cross-border threat posed by militant groups, and at the heart of this lies the TTP.
Accusations and Denials: The TTP’s Alleged Sanctuary
Relations between Pakistan and the Taliban authorities have sharply deteriorated in 2025, with Islamabad launching airstrikes inside Afghanistan and deadly border clashes following in their wake. Pakistan accuses the Afghan Taliban of providing shelter and support to TTP fighters—a charge Kabul consistently denies. The tension is not just rhetorical; it’s backed by on-the-ground realities. UN Security Council reports have confirmed the significant presence of TTP commanders and fighters within Afghanistan, lending weight to Islamabad’s concerns.
For Pakistan, the TTP is more than a distant threat. The group has carried out numerous attacks inside Pakistani territory, targeting security forces, officials, and civilians. The porous border, tribal loyalties, and the shifting political landscape in Afghanistan have allowed TTP to regroup and operate with increased freedom. The Pakistani government’s frustration is palpable; each cross-border attack or militant movement seems to erode the trust needed for meaningful dialogue with Kabul.
Political Dialogue and the Doha Process: A Search for Solutions
Amid these tensions, Pakistan and the EU have called for a credible political process in Afghanistan, advocating for the UN-led Doha roadmap. This isn’t just diplomatic jargon—the roadmap aims to bring a broad spectrum of Afghan political actors to the table, with the hope that a more inclusive settlement will address the roots of militancy and instability. But can dialogue succeed when trust is so deeply fractured?
Both Islamabad and Brussels have urged the Taliban to respect human rights, particularly those of women and girls, and to protect vulnerable communities. But, crucially, they also pressed the Taliban authorities to play a constructive role in eliminating terrorism from Afghan territory. The implication is clear: any political solution must reckon with the TTP’s presence and its destabilizing influence.
Resolving disputes through dialogue, not force, remains the official stance. But with recent airstrikes and border clashes, the reality on the ground is far more volatile. The stakes are high—not just for Pakistan and Afghanistan, but for regional security as a whole.
Inside Pakistan: Military Engagement and Public Perceptions of TTP
While diplomats debate policy in Brussels, the conversation about TTP is very much alive within Pakistan’s own borders. Just days ago, Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, the Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), visited Jamia Tur Rasheed in Karachi for an open session with students and religious scholars.
During this interactive dialogue, participants raised tough questions about the implementation of Islamic law (Sharia), the role of the military, and, notably, issues related to the TTP and Afghanistan. The session was described as candid and effective, helping bridge the gap between the Pakistan Army and the public, and strengthening mutual trust. Students and scholars expressed their support for the armed forces and their commitment to the country, while also seeking clarity on the government’s stance toward militant groups.
A student’s remarks captured the mood: the army, he said, is defending both the country and Islam. This sentiment reflects a broader narrative within Pakistani society, where the fight against TTP is not just a security issue, but one intertwined with identity, religion, and national sovereignty.
Diplomatic Stalemate and the Path Forward
Despite repeated calls for dialogue and regional cooperation, the path forward remains murky. The Afghan Taliban’s denial of harboring TTP fighters stands in stark contrast to UN reports and Pakistan’s on-the-ground experiences. The EU and Pakistan’s insistence on a UN-led process signals international impatience with the status quo, but also a recognition that sustainable peace cannot be achieved without addressing the cross-border movement of militants.
Meanwhile, within Pakistan, the military’s outreach to religious scholars and students signals a recognition that public support is critical in the fight against militancy. The conversation in Karachi was more than just a PR exercise—it was an attempt to foster understanding, build resilience, and reaffirm the military’s role as a protector of national interests.
The stakes are undeniably high. For Afghanistan, the continued presence of TTP fighters risks further destabilizing an already fragile social and economic fabric. For Pakistan, the threat is immediate and existential, as each attack chips away at the country’s sense of security and unity. And for the broader region, the prospect of renewed conflict or failed dialogue threatens to unravel years of diplomatic effort.
Regional Security and the Broader Implications
The TTP issue is not just a bilateral concern—it is woven into the security calculations of neighboring countries and international stakeholders. Pakistan and the EU’s joint statement stressed the need for regional peace, stability, and prosperity, echoing a sentiment that has often gone unmet in practice. The reality, however, is that without a concerted, multilateral approach to dealing with militant sanctuaries, the region risks sliding further into instability.
The discussions in Brussels and Karachi reveal a fundamental truth: the fight against the TTP is as much about political will and international cooperation as it is about military strategy. The road ahead will demand not just tough decisions, but also a willingness to engage across divides, to listen as much as to speak, and to recognize that regional security is, ultimately, a shared responsibility.
Based on the evidence presented by UN Security Council reports, official statements, and recent public engagement, it is clear that the TTP remains a central challenge in Pakistan-Afghanistan relations. Genuine progress will require both diplomatic innovation and robust public dialogue—only through combined efforts can the region hope to address the roots of militancy and achieve sustainable peace.