At least 123 families associated with the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) have been relocated to a new colony in Ghazni, Afghanistan, facilitated by the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

A source speaking to Khabar Kada confirmed the relocation, specifying that the families do not currently include any fighters.

The resettlement is part of a broader effort to reduce cross-border attacks on Pakistani border posts along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, according to official sources from both countries. The TTP’s presence has been a major source of friction between Pakistan and Afghanistan since the Taliban takeover, leading to border closures, diplomatic tensions, and a cycle of accusations.

In June 2023, Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed that the plan to relocate TTP to far-flung provinces of Afghanistan was a reality. However, he added that only people who posed a threat to Pakistan would be moved.

A thaw in relations began in early December when Pakistan reappointed its Special Representative for Afghanistan, coinciding with the resumption of the TTP resettlement program in Ghazni. However, the process was temporarily halted following the assassination of Afghanistan’s Minister for Refugees, Khalil Haqqani, in a suicide bombing claimed by the Islamic State of Khorasan Province (ISKP). This occurred just six days after Pakistan’s Special Representative traveled to Afghanistan to foster better understanding between the two nations, with support from China and Russia.

The move also comes soon after Afghan Taliban officials travelled to Abu Dhabi to meet UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to discuss aid and strengthening of ties.