Taliban seeks ‘good relations’ with New Pakistan government
The Taliban’s spokesman, Zabiullah Mujahid, expressed hopes for the new Pakistani government to show flexibility regarding the deportation of Afghan refugees.
In a statement to the Taliban-run Radio Television Afghanistan (RTA), Mujahid voiced aspirations for improved relations with Pakistan following the formation of a coalition government led by Shehbaz Sharif and including the Pakistan Muslim League and Pakistan Peoples Party, with Bilawal Bhutto Zardari at the helm.
This coalition emerged after a tumultuous election that sparked protests from supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
Mujahid said, “The Taliban wants good relations with Pakistan in economic, diplomatic, cultural, and religious aspects. We hope the new government will consider this.”
Relations between Pakistan and the Taliban have been strained, partly due to security incidents attributed to the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), an ally of the Afghan Taliban. Islamabad contends that the TTP operates from Afghanistan, a claim the Taliban denies.