ISLAMABAD: Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has confirmed that recent negotiations were held with the Afghan Taliban, while no dialogue will take place with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
Speaking on a private TV program, Khawaja Asif clarified that the talks in Qatar involved Afghan Taliban representatives and not the TTP. “The TTP are killers of innocent Pakistani civilians. There is no intention to engage in talks with them, nor has there ever been,” he said.
The Defense Minister added that further discussions on the implementation mechanism of the Pakistan-Afghanistan agreement will be held in Istanbul.
He described the Qatar talks as conducted in a “friendly and constructive environment” and highlighted the role of Qatari and Turkish officials in ensuring transparency and credibility. He stressed that any violation of the agreement will be reported to Pakistan’s neighboring countries.
Khawaja Asif stated that the Istanbul talks are scheduled from October 25 to 27, and a short, four-paragraph agreement has been reached, with a clear mechanism for implementation. He further noted that TTP leadership is operating from Afghanistan, issuing orders from there while hiding among civilian populations.
“Former Prime Minister Imran Khan may discuss talks with the TTP, but for the government, there is no justification for negotiating with killers,” he emphasized.
