Islamabad No Longer Supports the “Taliban Regime”

Kokcha News Agency – According to Pakistani sources cited by the Express Tribune, Islamabad has decided to withdraw its support for the Taliban regime in Afghanistan until the group addresses Pakistan’s security concerns. This marks a significant shift in Pakistan’s policy toward the Taliban, which is described as a carefully calculated move.

The Express Tribune reported on Tuesday that Pakistan has established new rules for border engagements. Under these new rules, any terrorist attack originating from Afghan soil will be met with a swift response from Pakistani forces.

In a statement issued on Monday, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry addressed the Taliban, stating, “Pakistan expects the Taliban regime to act responsibly, fulfill its commitments, and play a positive role in eradicating terrorism.”

Notably, this is the first time Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry has referred to the Taliban as the “Taliban regime of Afghanistan” instead of the “interim government of Afghanistan.”

The statement also emphasized the “freedom of Afghans,” adding, “We hope that one day Afghans will be free and live under a government with genuine representation.”

Relations between Pakistan and the Taliban have been strained in recent years, partly due to the activities of the Pakistani Taliban (TTP) in Afghan territory—a claim the Taliban denies.

The Taliban’s response to Pakistan’s airstrikes on Saturday has prompted Islamabad to reconsider its policy toward the group. However, it remains unclear whether this policy shift is tactical or a sign of Islamabad’s growing frustration with the Taliban.

Pakistan has long been accused of supporting the Taliban, and many Afghan politicians remain skeptical of this change in policy.