Pakistan Reduces Its Engagement with the Taliban Government by Not Appointing a Special Representative

Bayan News – Pakistani media, citing diplomatic sources, have reported that Islamabad is avoiding expanding its engagement with the Taliban government by not appointing a special representative for Afghanistan.

According to Pakistan’s Express Tribune, Islamabad is reluctant to strengthen its relations with the Afghan Taliban government due to the Afghan Taliban’s support for the “TTP” (Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan).

The report, published on Tuesday, October 22, mentions that Pakistani officials, after the removal of Asif Durrani, have shown no interest in appointing his successor.

The media outlet noted that officials from Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs believe they can manage relations with the Afghan Taliban without appointing a retired diplomat to this position.

The Express Tribune further stated that the government’s hesitation to appoint a new special representative stems from the ineffectiveness of the role, given the minimal diplomatic interaction between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban.

After the Taliban came to power in Afghanistan, Islamabad appointed Asif Durrani as the special representative for Afghanistan early last year.

The Express Tribune report adds that after the special representative was appointed, Pakistan’s relations with the Taliban government deteriorated.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry: Afghan Migration is Linked to the Ongoing Instability in Afghanistan