Pakistan open to bilateral security mechanism with Taliban

Pakistan has expressed openness to a proposed bilateral mechanism with the Taliban to address security disputes and coordinate information. The proposal, suggested by Taliban Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani, involves establishing committees on both sides to resolve contentious issues directly rather than through third-party mediation.

However, the Pakistani Foreign Ministry emphasized that any state-level dialogue or institutional coordination must be backed by “tangible and verifiable” actions. Islamabad is demanding that the Afghan interim government ensure its territory is not used by militant groups, specifically the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), to launch attacks against Pakistan.

Pakistan also called on the Taliban to honor international commitments, including those established under the Doha framework. The Foreign Office noted that the sustainability of any new mechanism will depend on concrete progress and demonstrable counter-terrorism measures rather than mere assurances.