Pakistan has reacted strongly to a joint statement released during Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi’s visit to India, by summoning Afghanistan’s Ambassador to express its disapproval. This diplomatic escalation reflects Pakistan’s growing concern over the burgeoning India-Afghanistan relationship. The Pakistani foreign ministry specifically objected to the joint statement’s acknowledgment of Jammu and Kashmir as Indian territory and Afghanistan’s pledge to ensure its soil is not used against India. Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs maintained that the Kashmir reference violates relevant UN Security Council resolutions and disrespects the people of the region. This reiterates Pakistan’s historical position on Kashmir, while India firmly maintains its sovereignty. In a related development, Pakistan also rejected the Afghan Foreign Minister’s characterization of terrorism as an internal Pakistani problem, claiming it has provided evidence of terrorist activities from Afghan soil. The strengthening of ties between India and Afghanistan, underscored by the joint statement and India’s commitment to its Kabul mission, marks a significant regional development that has clearly drawn Pakistan’s attention and concern.
