Pakistan warns Taliban: Comply with demands or face regime change

Islamabad (The Uttam Hindu): Tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan have now reached dangerous levels. Amid security concerns and border disputes, Pakistan has now directly threatened the Taliban government in Kabul with regime change. Pakistan has made it clear that if the Taliban does not embrace reconciliation and accept its security demands, it will support forces challenging the regime in Kabul.

Ultimatum sent through Turkey News18, quoting sources, reported that Pakistan has conveyed this stern message to the Taliban through Turkish mediating officials. Pakistan alleges that Afghan soil is being used by Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) terrorists. However, the Taliban government has rejected these allegations and stated that it will not allow its soil to be used against any country. For this reason, the Taliban has refused to sign any written security agreement with Pakistan.

According to sources, Pakistan's intelligence agencies (ISI), frustrated by the Taliban's stance, have now begun contacting powerful leaders of the former Afghan government. Pakistan plans to foment a coup in Kabul.

Who is in contact? Senior leaders such as former President Hamid Karzai, Ashraf Ghani and Ahmad Massoud are also being contacted, as are Abdul Rashid Dostum of the Afghanistan Freedom Front and the Northern Alliance.

Pakistan's offer: According to reports, Pakistan has promised to provide shelter to these leaders on its soil so that they can launch a campaign against the Taliban government from there and try to bring about a change in power.

Three rounds of talks have been inconclusive. Three rounds of talks have been held between Pakistan and Afghanistan, mediated by Turkey and Qatar, but have yielded no results. Pakistan's main demands are:

1. Taliban should take strict action against TTP and hand over its terrorists to Pakistan.

2. A 'buffer zone' should be created on the Durand Line (border).

Crackdown on Afghan Refugees in Punjab Province Amid these diplomatic moves, Pakistan's Punjab province has intensified its crackdown on Afghan nationals living illegally. According to a minister, more than 6,000 Afghans have been deported this month alone. The Punjab government has also announced a cash reward for citizens providing information on illegal Afghans.