Taliban Agree to Relocate

Disarm TTP in Talks with Pakistan

In an important discovery of progress of regional security, the Afghan Taliban have been cited as in bargain with Pakistan to help in the transfer and disarming of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) insurrectionists that have eloped to Afghanistan. This follows the weeks of bilateral and trilateral talks that have been held between Islamabad, Kabul and other regional powers. The shift is an indication of a possible paradigm shift in the quest to check the cross-border militancy, as both Pakistan and Afghanistan are keenly aware of the collective interest in dealing with the menace of extremists via collaborative efforts.

A Shift in Kabul’s Approach

The Afghanistan Taliban has been under pressure by the international community to ensure that no one in Afghanistan uses his country as a source of terrorism against other countries. In the case of Pakistan, elements of TTP in eastern province of Afghanistan have been an enormous security threat especially when violence related to the TTP affiliates has escalated in the tribal and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa regions. The brainchild of its affiliates to Afghanistan Taliban has claimed many vicious attacks, most of which target the Pakistani security forces and civilians.

The results of the recent meetings between the Taliban leaders and the Pakistani officials are seen to have yielded positive results as the Taliban seems to have agreed in principle to radical action being taken against the TTP. The sources with knowledge of the negotiations have stated that Taliban have assured to move troops of the TTP fighters off the Pakistan-Afghanistan border and also to embark on a process of disarming themselves. The agreement has been a milestone in diplomacy, though the timeline and the process to be followed is still the subject of deliberations.

Trilateral Diplomacy: China’s Role

Trilateral interactions especially with China, have also promoted the emerging collaboration between Islamabad and Kabul. Beijing is a major investor with influence in regional geopolitics using the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) ; hence it should be interested in ensuring stability along the western border of China. Behind the scenes diplomacy and economic pressure by China has been claimed to have contributed to dropping both sides to what can be termed as a sensible resolution.

In the latest trilateral negotiations, China again pointed out about the need to remove the safe havens of militant groups and to provide security environment on development activities. All three nations have been affected by the risks posed by the extremist organizations that cross over such porous borders and hence the subject of the concerted security measures seems to be gaining grounds.

Strategic Calculations Behind the Taliban’s Move

It is also notable that the Taliban was open to action against the TTP and this has been a strategic recalibration. Even though the Taliban of Afghanistan share similar ideological ties with the TTP, their activities have become rather burdensome to the former. The work of the group threatens to scuttle the friendly ties that Afghanistan shares with Pakistan and it also can attract international criticism when what the Taliban would want is the wider acceptance and some economic aid.

Additionally, the Taliban leadership has also been seen to be enthusiastic about regaining control of different militant groups located in their territories. Having come to terms with leaving Pakistan and disarming the TTP, they plan on solidifying their control, eliminating acts of rogue operations that will incur more conflict, and display some form of international responsibility.

Challenges and Caution Ahead

Even though some good signs have been shown there are a number of issues ahead. To start with, TTP is both hardened and ideologically rigid fighters who form a decentralized organization. Peaceful disarmament and relocation of them will not be smooth. There is also fear that such a move can be seen as betrayal by the TTP that might fight back splitting into even radical elements.

Moreover, this agreement can only succeed when it is vigorously enforced. Previous arrangements on militant relocation or assimilation have frequently collapsed because of the failure to follow-up, political change, or new bursts of bloodshed. Both Islamabad and Kabul will have to traverse through a tricky network of tribal relations, inter-group interests as well as the constant threat of a retaliation attack.

In Pakistan, there is also the doubt regarding the sincerity and the ability of the Taliban to reign the groups such as the TTP. Security analysts warn that though the deal by the Taliban is a good sign, it should be supported with actions that can be substantiated. At the moment it seems that Pakistan is being pragmatic – demanding assurances but being on defence preparedness.

A Window for Peaceful Resolution

Nonetheless, the current impetus presents a unique opportunity of a peaceful resolution of one of the most deeply rooted security issues in the region. Assuming that it is successful, the relocation and disarmament of TTP fighters have the potential to curb the cross-border violence greatly and create a certain degree of confidence between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Moreover, it would further improve Pakistan in combating terrorism at home, where the security agencies will then concentrate on stability after curbing the violence rather than acting to respond to violence. In the case of Afghanistan, it may be appropriate to assert dominance over the armed groups to restore regional confidence and hopefully receive foreign funds or investment.

Even, Pakistan is also encouraging long term Afghan action against TTP through its bilateral and trilateral relations. The recent indications of Kabul depict a similar interest in the control of cross-border militancy and achievement of mutual interests of the existence, responsibility, and peace in the region. The deal between Taliban to attack the TTP is in its initial phases, but it is a gesture to coordinate the internal Afghan policies with the regional security requirements.

Since the two countries share some of the threats and economic issues, such collaboration might pave the way to the establishment of a comprehensive system of regional security. The global society and especially major stakeholders such as China can contribute to such endeavours by according them positive diplomacy and development incentives. The coming months will test the strength of this agreement and the resolve of both Kabul and Islamabad. Yet, the very fact that dialogue has produced actionable outcomes offers a measure of hope. For a region long haunted by conflict, the pursuit of mutual stability may finally be gaining ground over militant impunity.