Pakistan delegation visits Kabul

Kabul, The Gulf Observer: A delegation led by Defence Minister of Pakistan Khawaja Asif is in Kabul today to meet with officials of the Afghan Taliban government to discuss security matters including counter-terrorism measures, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Wednesday.

The delegation includes Inter-Services Intelligence Director General Lt Gen Nadeem Anjum and Pakistan’s special envoy on Afghanistan Ambassador Muhammad Sadiq.

The visit comes against the backdrop of a recent surge in Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) sponsored terrorist attacks in Pakistan. Sources say Islamabad will persuade the Afghan interim government to live up to its commitment of not allowing Afghan soil to be used by the TTP and its affiliates.

The visit was the result of hectic behind-the-scenes efforts by Pakistan aimed at pressing the Afghan Taliban to tackle TTP sanctuaries.

Official sources claimed that the Afghan Taliban have shown a willingness to address Pakistan’s concerns, however, observers are skeptical.