Taliban Vows Defense as Afghan-Pakistani Peace Talks Fail

Following the breakdown of peace negotiations, the Taliban government in Kabul has sent a strong message to Pakistan, asserting its right to defend its territory and warning against any hostile use of Afghan soil. The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan declared its firm commitment to protecting its people and land, stating unequivocally that no nation will be allowed to engage in aggressive actions from Afghan territory or compromise the country’s security. The Taliban leadership reiterated its ‘principled position’ that Afghanistan’s land will not be used against any other country, nor will it permit any external entity to violate its sovereignty. The statement underscored the government’s duty to defend Afghanistan against all forms of aggression. This firm stance emerges as Kabul accuses certain Pakistani military circles of pursuing policies detrimental to Afghanistan’s peace and stability, allegedly seeking to create tension and viewing a stable Afghan government unfavorably. Relations between the two nations have deteriorated significantly, intensified by recent deadly border incidents. The Taliban acknowledged the mediation efforts of Turkey and Qatar but expressed strong disappointment with Pakistan’s delegation, citing their ‘irresponsible and non-cooperative’ attitude as a primary cause for the talks’ failure. Furthermore, the Taliban categorically refuted Pakistan’s claims linking the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) insurgency to their rule, labelling the accusations as ‘false and baseless’ and attributing the TTP’s activities to Pakistan’s own internal dynamics, which they state existed long before 2021. Kabul also highlighted its initiatives aimed at fostering regional stability, including encouraging dialogue, managing refugee populations along the Durand Line, and enforcing arms bans in camps. The current diplomatic impasse and simmering border tensions underscore the volatile regional landscape and the challenges ahead.