Pakistan’s top cleric engages in talks with Taliban in Kabul
- Sulaiman Umar
- 08 Jan, 2024
- 413
KABUL – The chief of Pakistan’s Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), Maulana Fazlur Rehman, has arrived in Kabul for discussions with the Taliban leaders, marking his first visit to Afghanistan since the Taliban’s takeover in 2021.
Accompanied by a high-level delegation, including party leaders Maulana Abdul Wasi, Maulana Salahuddin, Maulana Jamaluddin, Maulana Salimuddin Shamzai, Aslam Ghauri, and others, Fazl met with Afghan Deputy Prime Minister Maulvi Abdul Kabir, Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, Maulvi Abdul Latif Mansoor, and other officials.
Muttaqi expressed hope that Fazl’s visit would positively impact relations between the two countries. The discussions during the visit are expected to cover regional and security issues. Fazl stated that the agenda includes addressing the issue of Tehreek-i-Taliban (TTP) and enhancing cooperation between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
This diplomatic engagement occurs amid strained relations between the two nations, marked by increased terrorist attacks, attributed to groups like the TTP. While the Afghan Taliban deny allegations of supporting such activities, Pakistan insists on action against the TTP and its sanctuaries. The visit aims to foster goodwill and utilize Fazl’s relationships with Taliban leaders for the mutual benefit of both countries.
Culled from Afghanistan Times