AfPak File: Why Is Pakistan Holding Talks With The Pakistani Taliban?

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan recently announced in a TV interview that his government is holding talks with some groups of the Pakistani Taliban (Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, or TTP).

The TTP, previously Pakistan’s greatest terrorist threat before being degraded by Pakistani counterterrorism offensives, has resurged in recent months. From its base in Afghanistan, it has stepped up attacks in Pakistan.

What may explain Pakistan’s decision to negotiate with the TTP? What role may the Afghan Taliban be playing in these negotiations? Is talking to the TTP the right thing to do?

The latest episode of The AfPak File addresses these questions and more. Joining the discussion are Sahar Khan, a research fellow at the CATO Institute; Daud Khattak, the managing editor at RFE/RL's Pakistan service, Mashaal Radio; and Michael Kugelman, senior associate for South Asia at the Wilson Center.

Muhammad Tahir, Washington DC media manager for RFE/RL, moderates the discussion.

This podcast originally appeared on RFE/RL.