In a major diplomatic move, European Union (EU) Special Envoy Raimundas Karoblis has publicly endorsed Pakistan’s request for the Taliban-ruled administration in Afghanistan to end all support or sanctuary given to the terrorist organization Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). In an EU statement made earlier this week Karoblis stated that Pakistan’s request to stop TTP’s support was “legitimate” and deserved urgent attention. Geo News+1

The long-running concern of Pakistan

For a long time, Pakistan has accused the Afghan Taliban regime of allowing TTP militants to make use of Afghan territory as a safe refuge for planning and launching attacks on Pakistani security troops. The TTP is a terrorist group that Pakistan considers a terrorist group has been involved in numerous fatal operations along the border, which has exacerbated tensions between both nations. Analysts point out that the porous border region between Pakistan and Afghanistan has long been a hotbed of border-crossing insurgencies. Council on Foreign Relations+1

The demand of Pakistan to see its Taliban regime take concrete actions to stop TTP activities is founded on the national security demands and concerns about regional stability. In gaining the support of the EU ambassador, Islamabad may feel bolstered in its diplomatic efforts to internationalize the problem.

The EU’s position

With Karoblis remarks The EU is demonstrating its understanding of the threats that militant groups pose in the Afghanistan-Pakistan border area. The Pakistani demand for a cease-fire “legitimate,” the EU Envoy stressed that it is crucial for Afghanistan respecting its commitments to ensure that its territory is not being used to compromise the security of the neighboring states. Geo News+1

Although the EU has been a long-time supporter of security and cooperation against terrorism throughout South Asia, the explicit aligning with Pakistan’s position is an increased diplomatic engagement on the subject. It suggests it is a sign that European actors are becoming more attentive to the implications for the region of safe havens for militants and the cross-border insurgencies.

Implications and steps to follow

The approval of the EU representative could have many diplomatic and practical implications:

• Increased pressure upon the Afghan Taliban: With outside actors such as the EU openly embracing Pakistan’s demands and the Taliban regime is likely to be subjected to increased pressure to confront the TTP.
• A boost to Pakistan’s diplomatic case: Islamabad can leverage the EU support to build its position in multilateral forums and create broad coalitions against terrorism across borders.
• Region-wide security co-ordination: This development could increase collaboration among Pakistan, Afghanistan and international partners to tackle militant sanctuaries and ensuring the stability of borders.
• Monitoring and Verification Unresolved concerns how Taliban regime’s actions – or inaction – against TTP TTP will be scrutinized as well as verified by the international actors.

Remaining challenges

Despite the statements of support there are still a few obstacles to overcome. The Taliban regime’s capabilities and determination to take decisive action against the TTP remain elusive. In addition making sure that militants are removed without displacement of civilians or triggering humanitarian concern is a difficult task. Analysts warn that diplomatic support is not enough to guarantee tangible outcomes. Pakistan is likely to insist on tangible, practical actions from Afghanistan and backed by international monitoring organizations.

Conclusion

The EU ambassador’s support of Pakistan’s demand is an important event for South Asian diplomacy. In announcing that Islamabad has endorsed the call to an end to the Taliban government in Afghanistan to end TTP support and halt TTP support, the EU emphasizes the cross-border nature of terrorism as well as the need for greater cooperation. For Pakistan its message will be clear: Pakistan’s concerns are heard globally and could provide a way to increase security cooperation and pressure to take actions. But whether it is the Taliban government responds positive manner is the most important evaluation of the diplomacy.