IEA rejected Pakistan’s demand for security guarantees: Shaheen

Suhail Shaheen, the Islamic Emirate’s ambassador to Qatar and a member of the negotiating team with Pakistan in Istanbul, said that Islamabad requested the Islamic Emirate to guarantee that no security incidents would occur on Pakistani soil — a demand that was not accepted.

Speaking to the BBC, Shaheen emphasized that every country is responsible for its own security. He stated: “Just as security in Afghanistan is our responsibility, security in Pakistan rests with them. No one can guarantee that no incident will ever occur in Pakistan. This demand led the talks to an impasse.”

Pakistani officials have long claimed that the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) operates from Afghan territory and organizes attacks inside Pakistan. The Islamic Emirate has rejected these allegations.

About three weeks ago, Pakistan conducted airstrikes in Kabul and Paktika provinces, resulting in deadly clashes between the two sides.

Turkey and Qatar announced last Thursday that both parties had agreed to continue the ceasefire during the Istanbul talks. The next round of negotiations is scheduled for Thursday this week.