Taliban Leaders Do Not Yet Consider Pakistan an Enemy, Source Says
Despite highly tense diplomatic and security relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan, a credible source within the Taliban administration has stated that the group’s leaders do not yet regard Pakistan as an “enemy.” These remarks were reported by political activist and journalist Sami Yousafzai following a conversation with a trusted Taliban source.
According to the source, Taliban leaders believe that the problem does not lie within Pakistan’s entire political system; instead, what they call “a specific circle” is responsible for creating tensions. The source added, “We are Muslims and they are Muslims, so why should there be a problem between us?”
This comes as occasional armed clashes have occurred along the disputed border between the two countries, increasing mutual distrust. Nevertheless, it appears that at the central leadership level of the Taliban administration, a softer approach toward Pakistan still exists.
In response to this stance, Sami Yousafzai wrote that politics cannot be driven solely by pure intentions and religious beliefs; rather, political realities have their own logic and require an accurate understanding of regional dynamics. Some observers also emphasize that continuing this approach without practical reassessment could leave Afghanistan more vulnerable to security developments and external pressures.
Over the past two decades, Afghanistan-Pakistan relations have experienced ups and downs. Key sources of tension include border security, the presence of armed groups, and disagreements over the Durand Line border. However, the lack of a clear and accountable policy from the Taliban administration toward Islamabad has raised questions about the group’s long-term strategic approach to its southern neighbor.
