Pakistan’s Jamiat Ulema Chief Urges Continued Dialogue with Taliban Administration
The head of Pakistan’s Jamiat Ulema party has emphasized the necessity of continuing talks with the Taliban administration amid ongoing political and security tensions between Islamabad and Kabul, stating that negotiation is the only solution to disputes between the two sides.
Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman, in an interview with Geo News, said that the negotiation process should continue with the participation of the Pakistani government, religious scholars, and even an international body composed of clerics. He stressed that halting talks benefits neither side, and if one round of negotiations fails, subsequent rounds must begin.
Referring to Islamabad’s security concerns, he noted multiple complaints regarding the use of Afghan territory against Pakistan. According to him, the Taliban administration has so far been unable to prevent this situation. He warned that continuing on this path could negatively affect bilateral relations.
The Jamiat Ulema chief also emphasized that disputes between governments or military institutions should not create distance between the peoples of the two countries. He urged the Taliban administration not to allow Afghan soil to be used against Pakistan.
In another part of his remarks, he referred to the efforts by China and Russia to improve relations between the two countries and said Turkey could also play a role in reducing tensions.
Previously, several political and religious groups in Pakistan, including Fazlur Rehman, head of the country’s Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam party, have stressed resolving differences with Afghanistan through diplomacy and warned about the consequences of escalating tensions on the historic relations between the two nations.
