In a dramatic shift in its Afghanistan policy, Pakistan has delivered what top diplomatic and intelligence sources describe as its “final message" to the Afghan Taliban leadership: opt for reconciliation, accept Pakistan’s security demands, or face Islamabad’s support for alternative political forces capable of challenging the regime in Kabul.

According to top sources, Pakistan conveyed this ultimatum through Turkish mediators, after months of stalemated negotiations with the Taliban government. The latest message underscores Islamabad’s growing frustration with the Taliban’s unwillingness to curb the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and rising cross-border militant attacks.

Pakistan’s decision comes amid Taliban outreach to New Delhi — highlighted by Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Mu

See Full Page