Former Special Representative of Pakistan: Afghanistan is an Unfortunate Country

In an interview with Radio Mashaal, Durrani said: “It is true that the Taliban control all areas of Afghanistan; however, there is no joy in this country under their rule.”

Durrani added that Afghanistan is an “unfortunate” country and there is no unity among its people. He mentioned that being a special representative for Afghanistan is a challenge and the instability of this country over decades has also created problems for Pakistan.

The former special representative of Pakistan said that he has not been optimistic about the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan and attributed this pessimism to the internal disunity in Afghanistan. He emphasized that the major current problem of Taliban-ruled Afghanistan is the economy, and the people of this country are “dying of hunger.”

Durrani also stated that Afghan citizens are leaving the country due to economic problems under the Taliban’s rule, which is a major challenge and “threat” for Pakistan. He added that the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) is a “red line” for Pakistan, and the Afghan Taliban must take action in this regard.

He stressed that the TTP organizes its attacks inside Pakistan from Afghan soil under Taliban rule, and Afghan citizens are also involved in these attacks. Durrani added that TTP members roam freely with weapons inside Afghanistan, while an ordinary citizen of this country cannot do so.

Durrani also pointed out that TTP fighters collect funds in Khost province and other areas of Afghanistan to finance their war in Pakistan. He said: “The Taliban previously asked Pakistan for money to fight the TTP; if this group does not exist in Afghanistan and the Taliban deny their presence, why did they ask us for money? This is a contradiction.”

These remarks by Durrani come as the Taliban have repeatedly denied the presence of the TTP in Afghanistan under their rule and their support for this group.

Durrani also said that multiple “terrorist” groups are present in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan, and there is a possibility of another attack similar to September 11 originating from this country.