PESHAWAR: Amir Khan Muttaqi, the caretaker Foreign Minister of Afghanistan, has confirmed that the Afghan Taliban are mediating between the government of Pakistan and TTP [Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan].
However, he said, both side have not yet reached any agreement but the declaration of one-month ceasefire is a majer step forward. “A month-long ceasefire has been agreed. Talks will continue and hopefully there will be no difficulties in taking the peace process ahead,” Muttaqi said.
Read more:
There is no anti-Pakistan group in Afghanistan: Muttaqi
Troika plus summit on Afghanistan begins in Islamabad
Taliban called on int’l community to open embassies in Kabul
In his interview with British media, Muttaqi said that the so-called Islamic State (IS) is a major threat to peace in the region. He said that the after coming into power, the Taliban have started an effective operation and so for arrested and killed hundreds of IS terrorists. The IS has claimed responsibility for major attacks on mosques in Afghanistan in which dozens of innocent people have lost their lives.
He claimed that before the Taliban, 70% of Afghanistan was under the control of Islamic Emirate where the IS has no hidden sanctuaries. “The Taliban have completely eliminated ISIS. The terror group only present in those areas where the former Kabul government had controlled,” Muttaqi said during the interview. “To the best of our ability, we have now confined ISIS to some area. They are no more able carryout major attacks. Targeting worshipers is one of the most easy target in Afghanistan.”
On the question of relations with India, he said that Afghanistan wants friendly relations with world, including India. He said that the Taliban do not want confrontation with any country but friendly relations. He said that Kabul has accepted India’s gift of 5000 metric gift. The minister said that Pakistan has also ready to allow the transport of Indian wheat to Afghanistan through Wagah border.
The senior Taliban leader said that the Taliban have implemented all commitments with the international community. He said that 70% schools in the country are opened and 100% of women are working in health and other sectors. He said that the world should now accept the Taliban government in Afghanistan.