Latest World News: Taliban urge Pakistan to pursue peace with TTP
ISLAMABAD:
The Afghan Taliban on Friday launched a new pitch for peace talks between Pakistan and the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), as Islamabad’s efforts to secure action against the Kabul terror organization failed to move forward.
Pakistan dispatched its special envoy to Kabul this week for a three-day trip to send a clear message that the caretaker government must take decisive action against the TTP. But the Afghan Taliban told him after a series of meetings that Pakistan should follow the path of peace instead of resorting to force.
Ambassador Asad Durrani met with Acting Afghan Deputy Prime Minister Mawlawi Abdul Kabir, Acting Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi and other officials during his trip.
Official sources familiar with closed-door engagements told The Express Tribune that Afghan Taliban leaders had been told in no uncertain terms that Pakistan’s patience with the TTP was running out.
“The issue of terrorism, as I have said in the past, including in the last briefing, is a matter of serious concern for Pakistan. And Pakistan has raised this issue with the Afghan authorities on several occasions and at every major engagement that takes place between Pakistan and the interim Afghan authorities,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said during her weekly briefing.
“We discussed the terrorist threat emanating from Afghan soil,” she added when asked if Ambassador Durrani had raised the issue of cross-border terrorism with Afghan authorities.
But despite Pakistan’s insistence on acting against the TTP, the Afghan Taliban government is not ready to go that route.
The Afghan Deputy Prime Minister suggested to the Pakistani envoy to pursue the “path of peace” instead of the “use of force”, according to the sources. They said it was obvious that the Afghan Taliban were not interested in taking action against the TTP. Instead, Kabul once countered asking Pakistan to start peace talks with the TTP.
Pakistan abandoned the peace process after the TTP stepped up its attacks and took advantage of the first rounds of talks.
Civilian and military leaders decided that Pakistan would no longer seek talks with the TTP. But at any time, if talks are needed, these can only take place once the TTP has surrendered.
The Afghan deputy prime minister asked Durrani that Pakistan should prefer peace to war. He said that because of the bitter experience of the wars in Afghanistan, he would advise Pakistan to take the path of negotiations instead.
Maulvi Kabir said he sees peace in Pakistan for the benefit of Afghanistan and sees acts of violence as a loss for Afghanistan and as a Muslim country Afghanistan does not want fighting and unrest in Pakistan.
He assured the Pakistani envoy that the Afghan Taliban government had a policy of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries. He claimed that Afghanistan would not allow its soil to be used against any other country, including Pakistan.
The sources said Ambassador Durrani would brief the government upon his return from Kabul and give his assessment. The sources said Pakistan is unlikely to accept the Afghan Taliban’s offer.
The sources said that Pakistan will draw up its strategy taking into account the special envoy’s input.
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An Overview of Global Events in 2023
In 2023, the world witnessed a myriad of events that left a lasting impact on global affairs. From political developments and economic shifts to environmental challenges and breakthroughs in science and technology, the year was marked by significant changes and a sense of urgency for collective action. Here’s an overview of some of the latest world news in 2023.
Political Unrest and Diplomatic Strides:
In the political arena, several regions experienced unrest and geopolitical tensions. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East continued to dominate headlines, with efforts towards peace and stability remaining elusive. However, there were also moments of diplomatic breakthroughs as nations engaged in dialogues to ease tensions and work towards lasting solutions.
Economic Transformations:
The global economy faced both challenges and opportunities. Trade disputes between major powers affected markets, while some countries grappled with debt crises. On the other hand, emerging economies showed resilience and promising growth, fueling optimism for a more balanced global economic landscape.
Technological Advancements:
Innovation surged forward in the tech industry, with breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and space exploration. Quantum computing achieved milestones, promising radical transformations across industries. Renewable energy sources gained traction, with many countries setting ambitious goals to combat climate change.
Climate Crisis and Environmental Resilience:
As the climate crisis intensified, extreme weather events wreaked havoc in various parts of the world. Wildfires, hurricanes, and floods reminded humanity of the urgent need for climate action. In response, governments and communities across the globe doubled down on efforts to reduce carbon emissions, invest in sustainable infrastructure, and protect biodiversity.
Health and Pandemic Management:
Health remained a global priority as countries continued to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. With the emergence of new variants, vaccination efforts and public health measures remained crucial to curbing the spread of the virus. There were also significant advancements in medical research and technology, offering hope for better preparedness in handling future health crises.
Sports and Cultural Milestones:
Amidst the challenges, the world found moments of joy and unity through sports and culture. International sporting events brought together athletes from diverse backgrounds, promoting solidarity and camaraderie. Cultural exchanges and celebrations showcased the richness of human diversity and fostered mutual understanding.
In conclusion, the year 2023 was a dynamic period filled with significant events that shaped the course of history. From political unrest to technological advancements and environmental challenges, the world witnessed the complexities of the global landscape. While obstacles remained, there were also encouraging developments and collaborative efforts towards a more sustainable, peaceful, and prosperous future for all nations. As we move forward, the lessons learned from these events serve as a reminder of the importance of collective action and cooperation to address shared global challenges.