Khalilzad calls for Kabul–Islamabad security pact to normalize ties

KABUL: Zalmay Khalilzad, the former U.S. special representative for Afghanistan, has proposed a potential security agreement between Afghanistan and Pakistan, stating that such an arrangement could help normalize relations between the two neighboring countries. Khalilzad in a post on his X, refused the comments made by Pakistan’s military spokesperson, Sharif, interpreting them incorrectly by suggesting that concerns from Pakistan were included in the Doha Agreement between the Taliban and the U.S. He emphasized that the Doha Agreement is between the U.S. and the Taliban and does not focus on relations between Kabul and Islamabad. He stated that Pakistan and Afghanistan could sign a separate security agreement aimed at strengthening bilateral security, committing both sides not to allow any individual or group— including ISIS and Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP)—to use their territories to pose security threats to the other country. Khalilzad also mentioned that third-party oversight could help ensure the implementation of the agreement. Based on his recent discussions with Taliban leaders, Khalilzad expressed belief that they are prepared to negotiate such an agreement. He described this proposal as a “game changer” for relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Khalilzad wrote on X, “The ball is now in Pakistan’s court” and emphasized that future progress depends on Islamabad’s preparedness. Relations between the Taliban and Pakistan have reached a fragile state compared to previous times, following several ongoing clashes. Currently, trade and transit between both sides are halted, and restrictions have been placed on movement across the border.