Pakistan desperate to befriend terror group Islamic State, Turkey is helping Islamabad, Shehbaz wants this friendship to….

The growing rift between Pakistan and the Taliban is well-known. Since the Taliban’s takeover of Kabul in 2021, border skirmishes between Pakistani and Taliban forces have occurred multiple times.

Pakistan is trying to build closer ties with the Islamic State (IS) and is working with Turkey to achieve this goal. A team from Pakistan’s intelligence agency, ISI, is planning to visit Turkey soon. During this trip, they are expected to meet top leaders of the Islamic State. This meeting could create problems for the Taliban, which currently rules Afghanistan. It may also be a security concern for India.

Pakistan and the Taliban have had tensions for a long time, and this move could be a way for Pakistan to pressure the Taliban on border issues and other conflicts. The meeting is also expected to strengthen ISI’s connections with IS-Khorasan, the Afghan branch of the terrorist group. The international community is watching closely, as this development could affect security in South Asia and beyond.

ISI officials to visit to Turkey

According to a report by Hindukush Media, an ISI delegation is planning to visit Turkey to hold discussions with exiled opposition leaders and members of ISIS-Khorasan. Pakistan is allegedly seeking to strengthen its ties with militant groups by establishing new training centers in Balochistan, where ISI aims to foster collaboration between rebel factions and ISIS-K.

ISI chief leading the initiative

According to reports, ISI chief Asim Malik recently met with leaders of anti-Taliban resistance groups in Tajikistan to discuss regional security instability and the recognition of the Durand Line. Furthermore, former Afghan army chief Qadam Shah Shaheen has reportedly been appointed as a liaison officer between the ISI and the National Resistance Front (NRF) in connection with recent attacks on Chinese nationals. In response, Afghan security agencies (GDI) have detained several suspects and heightened security measures for Chinese citizens.

Pakistan’s strategy to pressure the Taliban

The growing rift between Pakistan and the Taliban is well-known. Since the Taliban’s takeover of Kabul in 2021, border skirmishes between Pakistani and Taliban forces have occurred multiple times. Additionally, Pakistan has conducted at least three airstrikes on Afghan territory. Now, Pakistan appears to be leveraging the Islamic State to apply pressure on the Taliban, compelling them to engage in negotiations on border disputes and the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) issue.

With tensions escalating in the region, Pakistan’s latest move could have far-reaching consequences, potentially reshaping the balance of power in Afghanistan and South Asia.