INTERNATIONAL — April 1, 2026
New Yorker Article: Pakistan Distancing from Taliban to Boost Regional Influence
The New Yorker article by Isaac Chotiner claims Pakistan's army is distancing from former Taliban allies to enhance regional influence, amid post-U.S. withdrawal threats from the Pakistani Taliban and expulsion of two million Afghan migrants. It notes Pakistan's mediation in a U.S./Israel-Iran ceasefire, facilitated by ties between Donald Trump and Army Chief Asim Munir.
The Ehtebar Desk — originates with Amu TV — 2 min read

A recent article in The New Yorker by Isaac Chotiner argues that Pakistan's army is distancing itself from its former Taliban allies to gain greater regional influence and attract attention from U.S. President Donald Trump.
The piece examines shifts in Pakistan's relations with the Taliban following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. Pakistan now faces threats from the Pakistani Taliban, also known as Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). In response, authorities have expelled about two million Afghan migrants, a move described as temporary.
Chotiner highlights Pakistan's unexpected mediation role in a ceasefire between the U.S./Israel and Iran. Islamabad has hosted talks, conveying Trump's demands and proposing peace negotiations. This positioning leverages close ties between Trump and Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir, whom the article describes as the most powerful figure in the country.
The analysis frames these developments as Pakistan seeking to reposition itself in the region amid changing dynamics.
Read the original reporting at Amu TV →
Reliability assessment
Single source (Amu TV) reports directly on a specific article by named journalist Isaac Chotiner in The New Yorker, providing concrete, attributable details including named figures (Trump, Asim Munir) and events; 'X said Y' claims are reliably verifiable regardless of topic sensitivity.
The source language reads straight.
Independent web corroboration
A separate web search returned 8 matching reports. A selection:
- How Pakistan Became a Major Player in Peace Negotiations Between the U.S. and Iran | The New Yorkernewyorker.com
The Pakistani military has wooed Donald Trump, and fallen out with its former Taliban allies, as it looks to wield more influence in the region.
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International — Pakistan, Taliban, Afghan migrants, Donald Trump, Asim Munir
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