INTERNATIONAL — July 28, 2026
Former Pakistani Diplomat Says Taliban Performance Will Determine Regional Stability
Asif Durrani argued that the Taliban administration poses Pakistan's greatest security challenge, with attacks rising in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, and called for conditioning cooperation on verifiable steps against militant groups.
The Ehtebar Desk — originates with Afghanistan International — 2 min read
Former Pakistani diplomat Asif Durrani has described Taliban rule as Pakistan's biggest security threat. In an article published in The News, Durrani wrote that five years after the Taliban returned to power, attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan have increased in number and complexity, resulting in the deaths of soldiers, police, tribal elders and civilians.
Durrani stated that the central question remains the Taliban's willingness to act against groups such as the TTP, al-Qaeda, the IMU and ETIM. He noted that United Nations reports have confirmed the presence of these organizations in Afghanistan.
Pakistan accuses the Taliban of allowing Afghan soil to be used for attacks and of providing ground for Indian support of Baloch militants, according to the article. Durrani argued that the Taliban's performance will determine both Afghanistan's international legitimacy and the future stability of South and Central Asia.
He urged Pakistan to condition any cooperation on verifiable actions by the Taliban. Durrani also recommended that Pakistan expand ties with China, Iran, Russia and Central Asian states.
Read the original reporting at Afghanistan International →
Reliability assessment
Single source provides direct on-record attribution to named former diplomat Asif Durrani and his published article in The News with concrete details on statements made
The source language mixes facts with framing or advocacy wording. Afghanistan International: "biggest security threat" and "called into question the credibility of these assurances" frame the Taliban negatively with value judgments; "main test for the Taliban" and "whether, as a responsible government" imply failure to meet governance standards, adding mild advocacy tone.
Independent web corroboration
A separate web search returned 8 matching reports. A selection:
- Liability next door – Emra News Englishen.emranews.com
The real test is whether the Taliban are prepared to act as a responsible government by ensuring that Afghan territory is not used to threaten neighbouring states. Their answer will determine not only Afghanistan’s quest for international legitimacy but also the future stability of South and Central Asia and beyond.
The real test is whether the Taliban ... states. Their answer will determine not only Afghanistan's quest for international legitimacy but also the future stability of South and Central Asia and beyond.
Across the newsrooms
Filed by
Afghanistan International
Originating
Framed
Framed
Filed under
International — Taliban, Pakistan, Asif Durrani, Security threats, Regional stability
Reader supported
Keep Ehtebar running
Every published story uses paid tools to translate reporting, compare sources, extract claims, and produce a clearer read on Afghanistan. Reader support helps keep that work independent.
€5
helps cover daily verification runs
€15
supports a week of source comparison
€50
keeps independent analysis moving
More in International
Trump Says Agreement with Iran Possible but Warns of Military Action if Talks Fail
— Reliable
Uzbek Delegation Visits Kabul to Discuss Investment and Bilateral Relations
— Reliable
Afghan Ambassador to Malaysia Attends Islamic Thought Conference
— Reliable
Discussion on Afghanistan-Uzbekistan Relations
— Reliable