In the context of the trilateral talks held in Urumqi between Pakistan, Afghanistan, and China, a significant development emerged yesterday. The Afghan Taliban claimed that during a meeting in Kabul they issued a warning to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and arrested around 100 of its members.
Pakistan has not issued an immediate reaction to these claims, largely due to past instances where similar Taliban statements later proved unsubstantiated. Officials indicate that Islamabad may withhold response until concrete evidence is presented.
Conflicting Reports from Kabul Sources
However, sources in Kabul present a different account. According to these reports, both the meeting and arrests did take place, but not against the TTP. The sources claim that no formal warning was issued to the TTP, nor was any decision taken to launch action against the group.
Instead, discussions reportedly focused on the TTP and the Urumqi negotiations, but no consensus was reached. The actions taken were directed against smaller, unorganized armed groups that are neither part of the TTP, nor linked to the Gul Bahadur network, nor registered under any structured organization such as GDI.
Targeting Small Armed Groups, Not TTP
These arrests, according to sources, involve individuals from loosely organized militant elements operating independently. The Taliban are said to be portraying these arrests as action against the TTP, creating an impression of a major crackdown, which sources claim is misleading.
Interestingly, even the TTP itself has previously complained about such small, unregulated groups, accusing them of involvement in criminal activities such as theft and other offenses within Afghanistan.
Internal Divisions Within the Taliban
Reports also highlight clear internal divisions within the Afghan Taliban. One faction is said to favor improved relations with the international community, while a hardline group—closely associated with Mullah Haibatullah Akhundzada—opposes major policy shifts.
This hardline faction allegedly continues to support logistical space for TTP elements even after the China-hosted talks, with some members advocating for operations that could extend TTP activity deeper into Pakistan, including Islamabad and Lahore, in an effort to pressure Pakistan into meeting Taliban demands.
No Final Decision on TTP Action
Sources confirm that no final decision was taken against the TTP during the meeting. Instead, the focus remained on smaller non-affiliated militant groups. These groups, described as unregistered and loosely organized, are reportedly also involved in criminal activities within Afghanistan.
Diplomatic Claims vs Ground Reality
The Taliban have repeatedly assured that Afghan territory will not be used against any country, and multiple engagements have taken place between Pakistan and Afghanistan on this issue. However, analysts caution that it is too early to interpret the latest developments as a concrete policy shift.
Given the long history of cooperation and ideological alignment between the Taliban and the TTP—particularly during their joint struggle against U.S. forces in Afghanistan—any decisive action against the group remains a complex and sensitive matter. Current steps therefore appear more aligned with internal control measures rather than a full-scale strategic crackdown.
