Pakistan has handed over to the Afghan Taliban a list of “most wanted terrorists” affiliated with the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) operating from the Afghanistan as Islamabad seeks to take decisive action against the militant outfit, The Express Tribune reported on August 23. Besides, Afghan Taliban chief Haibatullah Akhundzada has reportedly set up a three-member commission to investigate Islamabad’s complaints that the TTP was using Afghanistan to plot cross-border terrorist attacks. "We have taken up the issue with them [Afghan Taliban]. We have given them a list of wanted TTP terrorists operating from Afghanistan," a senior Pakistani official, familiar with the development, told The Express Tribune. The official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, added that Pakistan expected the new Government led by the Afghan Taliban to take action against the TTP. Although the official did not share the list, it is believed that Pakistan was seeking extradition or action against the TTP chief and its other top commanders.
Meanwhile, the Federal Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid said on August 23 that the Afghan Taliban had reassured the Government that the TTP would not be given permission to operate in Afghanistan against Pakistan, reports Dawn. Responding to a question while addressing a press conference in Islamabad, the Interior Minister said some TTP leaders such as Maulvi Faqir Mohammad had been released by the Afghan Taliban after their takeover of Kabul on August 15, adding that the Government was in "full contact" with the Taliban on the issue. "The related authorities there have been told that those who have done terrorism in Pakistan [are controlled]. "The Afghan Taliban have reassured [us] that Afghanistan's land will not be allowed to be used in any case by the TTP," said Rashid.