Will Pakistan Recognize Taliban Rule? Islamabad Breaks Silence

The remarks came days after Russia became the first country to officially recognise the Taliban's rule. Pakistan is in no hurry to recognise the Afghan Taliban government, and any decision will be made keeping the country's interest in mind, officials here have said.

The remarks came days after Russia became the first country to officially recognise the Taliban's rule. Moscow's decision, some observers feel, may be a prelude to other regional countries finally embracing the Taliban.

However, officials in Pakistan told The Express Tribune newspaper that the decision of Russia was not a surprise, as Moscow for some time had indicated they would reconcile with the fact that the Taliban were now in charge and there was no other option but to accept their rule. The Russian decision also stems from the fact that greater engagement with the Taliban government would help address the terrorist threat and advance its geostrategic interests.

We, of course, will take a decision keeping in view our interest. I can tell you there is no hurry," said a Pakistani official when asked whether Islamabad would also recognise the Taliban rule.

A source, however, did not rule out the possibility of Pakistan taking a more pragmatic approach if other regional players follow the Russian footsteps. At his weekly news briefing on Friday, Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan reacted cautiously to Moscow's decision, saying it was a matter between two sovereign states.