JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman is set to visit Kabul today, as confirmed by Afghan Taliban spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid. The visit comes after an invitation was extended by the Afghan interim government to Rehman last month. This will be Rehman’s first visit to Afghanistan since the Taliban takeover in 2021.
The visit is significant as it comes at a time of strained relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan. The spike in terrorist attacks, mostly attributed to the outlawed Tehreek-i-Taliban, has led to accusations from Islamabad that Afghan soil is being used against Pakistan. The Afghan Taliban have denied these charges, but authorities in Pakistan remain unconvinced and have demanded action against the TTP and its leaders.
In light of this, Fazl has stated that discussions on the TTP issue will be on the agenda during his visit to Afghanistan. He also intends to meet with Taliban supreme leader Sheikh Haibatullah Akhundzada, with whom he rarely meets. Fazl aims to use his relationship with the Taliban leaders to benefit both Pakistan and Afghanistan, as well as to convey the stance of the government of Pakistan during his meetings with the Afghan officials.