Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar has firmly rejected the notionthat the interim Taliban government in Afghanistan was unresponsive toPakistan’s concerns. In an interview with Voice of America Urdu (VOA Urdu),he emphasized that there was no prevailing perception that the Talibandisregarded Pakistan’s interests or requests. Furthermore, he clarifiedthat Pakistan did not have any unique or special demands related to theTaliban.
Responding to a question regarding the perceived lack of cooperationbetween the Afghan Taliban and Pakistan, Kakar pointed out that Pakistan,in conjunction with the United States, consistently urged the AfghanTaliban to prevent their territory from being used for terrorist activitiesagainst any nation. However, the Taliban had requested evidence beforeaccepting responsibility for such actions.
Kakar elaborated on the ongoing challenge of terrorism along Pakistan’swestern border, emphasizing that various regional countries, includingPakistan, China, Central Asia, and Russia, as well as internationalorganizations such as the International Security Assistance Force and theNorth Atlantic Treaty Organization, engaged in extensive discussions duringthe Doha negotiations. These discussions centered on the imperative thatAfghan soil should not be utilized for terrorist purposes against anynation.
The caretaker prime minister highlighted the Afghan Taliban’s commitmentduring the Doha negotiations and their willingness to engage inconstructive dialogues with neighboring countries in the region. Heacknowledged that while there may be various reasons hindering progress,Pakistan was actively participating in appropriate forums to play its roleeffectively.
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Regarding the possibility of surgical or drone strikes following hints fromChief of Army Staff General Asim Munir about targeting the outlawedTehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in Afghanistan, Kakar affirmed Pakistan’sright to defend itself. He emphasized that Pakistan would make decisionsthat it deemed necessary for the protection of its people and territory.However, he refrained from disclosing specific operational decisions,indicating that Pakistan would respond to threats as needed.
In summary, Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar dispelled theperception that the interim Taliban government was not responsive toPakistan’s concerns, emphasizing Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to address thechallenge of terrorism in the region and its commitment to safeguarding itspeople and soil when necessary.