{"id":33446,"date":"2023-12-09T16:36:06","date_gmt":"2023-12-09T16:36:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/news.pakistaninewspaperlist.com\/us-extends-support-to-pakistan-amid-ttp-threat-the-express-tribune\/"},"modified":"2023-12-09T16:36:06","modified_gmt":"2023-12-09T16:36:06","slug":"us-extends-support-to-pakistan-amid-ttp-threat-the-express-tribune","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pakistaninewspaperlist.com\/news\/us-extends-support-to-pakistan-amid-ttp-threat-the-express-tribune\/","title":{"rendered":"US extends support to Pakistan amid TTP threat | The Express Tribune"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\nISLAMABAD:
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The United States has thrown its weight behind Pakistan in the wake of renewed threat posed by banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), as the key aide of President Biden has said his country stands with Pakistan.<\/p>\n

The support from the US came at a time when Pakistan is grappling with increased terrorist attacks being perpetrated by the TTP from across the border in Afghanistan.<\/p>\n

US special Representative for Afghanistan Tom West flew to Pakistan earlier this week and held talks with Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani, Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir and other officials.<\/p>\n

Before wrapping up his three-day visit, the US pointman for Afghanistan on Saturday in a statement acknowledged the “grave threat” posed by the TTP to Pakistan.<\/p>\n

Read More: Afghan situation, TTP threat discussed with US pointman<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

“Departing Islamabad after productive two-day visit. Important conversations with [Caretaker Foreign Minister] Jalil Jilani, Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir, and Asif Durrani[Pakistan’s Special Representative to Afghanistan], and MOI Secretary Durrani about grave security challenges posed by TTP as well as imperative to protect Afghan refugees,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).<\/p>\n

“The United States stands with Pakistan against terrorism in the region,” he added.<\/p>\n

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1\/2 Departing Islamabad after productive two-day visit. Important conversations with @JalilJilani<\/a>, Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir, @AsifDurrani20<\/a>, and MOI Secretary Durrani about grave security challenges posed by TTP as well as imperative to protect Afghan refugees.<\/p>\n

\u2014 U.S. Special Representative Thomas West (@US4AfghanPeace) December 8, 2023<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n

Official sources said the US special envoy assured all out support to Pakistan to deal with the TTP threat.<\/p>\n

However, Washington is not convinced with Pakistan’s hardline stance particularly repatriation of undocumented Afghans living in the country.<\/p>\n

The US feels that this approach may not work as Afghan Taliban are unlikely to move against the TTP.<\/p>\n

Nevertheless, the US shares Pakistan’s frustration as it believes that any country facing such terrorist attacks would respond robustly.<\/p>\n

The number of terrorist attacks has gone up since the return of Afghan Taliban to power in August 2021.<\/p>\n

There has been 60 per cent increase in terrorist attacks while suicide attacks have gone up by 500 per cent.<\/p>\n

As tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan deepen, there are concerns this situation would only complicate the Afghan problem.<\/p>\n

Read More: FM links Afghan trade to anti-TTP steps<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

One of the major issues the US envoy discussed with Pakistani authorities is the deportation of undocumented Afghans.<\/p>\n

“We are also grateful for close communication with Islamabad re: refugee protection issues, including collaboration with IOs and humane and dignified treatment,” Tom West said in a statement.<\/p>\n

West said he spent “valuable time” with leadership of UNHCR and IOM in Islamabad, discussed their support for the most vulnerable and at-risk Afghans.<\/p>\n

“Proud that US has contributed $77M to UNHCR this year for these efforts, and $9M to IOM to respond to recent earthquakes,” according to the US special envoy.<\/p>\n

He also met “courageous Afghan refugees” to hear about their lives first-hand. “Admire their courage under wrenching circumstances. We call for their protection and thank UNHCR, IOM, other partners for their efforts.”<\/p>\n

Washington is keen to ensure that Afghans who worked for the US during its military campaign in Afghanistan are spared in Pakistan\u2019s drive against undocumented Afghans.<\/p>\n

It is believed that both sides have made progress to work out a mechanism under which such Afghans are relocated to the US in shortest possible time.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n