The visit of Taliban Minister of Defense Mohammad Yaqub Mujahid and Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces Qari Fasihuddin Fitrat to the defense industry products exhibition in Qatar on March 4, has drawn attention from political analysts. Suhrob Boronov, a political scientist from Uzbekistan, shared his insights with Daryo regarding this situation.
Boronov highlighted that Minister Mohammad Yaqub's visit to Qatar is not unprecedented, indicating previous meetings between Taliban officials and Qatari military representatives. Suhrob Boranov added that the Taliban, which once received military support from Pakistan, is now trying to improve its relations with the United States and its ally, Qatar, after the cooling of relations with Islamabad.
Mullah Yaqub's familial ties, being the son of Mullah Umar, the Taliban's founding leader, imbue him with significant influence over the Haqqani Network, the militant wing of the Taliban. Boronov suggests that given this influence,
"He can greatly influence the activities of the Haqqani Network, which is considered the military wing of the Taliban forces. Speaking from this point of view, Taliban, which once received military support from Pakistan, today, after the cooling of relations with Islamabad, may be agreeing to receive not only financial support, but also expected military weapons from the United States and its ally, Qatar," said Suhrob.
The exhibition in Qatar, known as Dimdex, showcased military equipment and tools from various companies. In attendance were defense ministers and military officials from multiple nation.
Taliban and Pakistan
In January 2024, a high-level Taliban delegation met with Pakistani officials to address escalating tensions caused by cross-border attacks. Led by Mullah Shirin Akhund, the talks focused on border management and security. While the Taliban deny harboring militants, Pakistan has raised concerns over attacks by groups like Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Pakistan urged concrete action against TTP, which has a history of attacks in the region. The TTP emerged in 2007 and has been designated a terrorist organization. Despite the withdrawal of foreign troops, the group remains active. Pakistan has denied accusations of supporting the Taliban insurgency. In response to security concerns, Pakistan has initiated measures to repatriate undocumented Afghans.
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