Islamabad: Former US official and foreign policy expert Adolf Franco has said there is strong evidence that the Tehreek e Taliban Pakistan operates from safe havens inside Afghanistan. He warned that these groups are not only a threat to Pakistan but could also destabilize the wider region, including Iran, Central Asia, and China.
He made these remarks during a private television talk show. He said that after the US withdrawal in 2021, Afghanistan has become a safe space for multiple militant networks. According to him, the Taliban leadership claims it needs more intelligence information, but he described this as an excuse rather than a real limitation.
In addition, Franco stressed that the TTP issue is no longer a local problem. He said it has developed into a regional security challenge that may spread beyond borders if not controlled.
Taliban Accountability, Diplomatic Failure, and Need for Stronger Action
Moving forward, Franco argued that diplomatic efforts by Pakistan and China have not produced meaningful results so far. He said the Afghan administration responds more to pressure than to dialogue or negotiations.
He suggested that the international community should treat the Taliban as a responsible governing authority and hold them accountable for cross border militancy. He also proposed stronger measures, including coordinated international action involving major global powers.
Furthermore, he mentioned the idea of a security buffer zone inside Afghanistan as a possible long term solution. He added that cooperation between the United States, China, and Russia could be necessary to stabilize the region.
Finally, he warned that Pakistan is already facing heavy human and economic losses. He said continued inaction could turn the situation into a wider regional crisis. According to him, urgent and practical steps are now needed to prevent further escalation.
