Pakistan urges Taliban to abandon militant ideology, pursue governance

Pakistan has advised Afghanistan's Taliban administration to move away from militant thinking and concentrate on constructive governance, signaling Islamabad's concerns about Kabul's direction since the Taliban's return to power.

The statement underscores Pakistan's complex relationship with its Afghan neighbours, as Islamabad seeks to influence Taliban decision-making while managing security implications of Taliban rule. Pakistan shares a lengthy border with Afghanistan and has significant strategic interests in the country's stability.

The appeal comes amid international scrutiny of the Taliban's handling of state affairs, including their approach to security, human rights, and counter-terrorism operations. Pakistan has previously expressed concerns about militant groups operating in the region and their potential impact on Pakistani security.

Islamabad's public counsel suggests tensions within Pakistan's approach to the Taliban government—balancing pragmatic engagement with Kabul against concerns about extremist activities. The remarks indicate Pakistan believes the Taliban's transition to governance remains incomplete and that further evolution in their conduct is necessary.

The statement reflects the broader regional anxiety about Afghanistan's trajectory under Taliban rule and the interconnected security challenges facing South Asian nations in the post-2021 Afghan political landscape.