Islamabad: Former President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Sardar Masood Khan has said that Pakistan initially pursued diplomacy and engagement with the Afghan Taliban but was compelled to undertake targeted counter-terrorism operations after repeated terrorist attacks originating from Afghan territory.
According to Kashmir24, Sardar Masood Khan speaking during a television interview on the evolving security situation in the region, said that since 2021 Pakistan had consistently tried to resolve the issue through diplomatic channels after the revival of Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which began using Afghan soil to carry out attacks against Pakistan.
He said Pakistan first opted for bilateral diplomacy, negotiations and engagemenfft with the Afghan Taliban, while also advocating internationally for their recognition and legitimacy. “Pakistan extended support to stabilize Afghanistan and hoped that cooperation would lead to regional peace and security,” he added.
Masood Khan noted that when bilateral negotiations failed to produce results, Pakistan sought mediation through friendly countries. He referred to China’s role in facilitating dialogue between the foreign ministers of Pakistan and Afghanistan, hosted by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, where a constructive agenda for regional connectivity and economic cooperation was proposed.