Asif Durrani, a former Pakistani special envoy to Afghanistan, stated that the majority of Afghanistan’s population do not support the Taliban, and this group lacks both domestic and international legitimacy.
Speaking in an interview in Islamabad, Durrani referred to the Taliban’s claim of engaging with 40 countries, stating that the group remains in international isolation. “As legitimate rulers, 64 percent of Afghans do not support the Taliban,” he said. “They must understand that they are still far from earning legitimacy, both domestically and internationally.”
“If the Taliban believe they have international support, they are mistaken. More than 40 countries may engage with them, but none have officially recognized their government,” he added.
Durrani cautioned the Taliban against antagonizing Pakistan, particularly over the activities of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). “Islamabad will resort to measures such as blocking trade with Afghanistan,” he added. “The Taliban must accept the consequences of their support for the TTP and the resulting hostility with Pakistan.
“Referring to Pakistan’s recent airstrikes in the Barmal district of Afghanistan’s Paktika province, he described the action as a warning shot.
