The Taliban government in Afghanistan has sent a clear and uncompromising message to Pakistan: Afghan soil will not be used for any hostile operations against other nations. This firm stance was articulated following the abrupt end of recent peace talks between the two countries, which have now reached an impasse. The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has vowed to protect its territory and its people from any form of aggression. Through its official spokesman, the Taliban reiterated its established principles, emphasizing that Afghanistan will not allow any nation to exploit its territory for nefarious purposes or to infringe upon its security and sovereignty. The defense of Afghanistan was declared a paramount Islamic and national duty. The Taliban also took the opportunity to thank Turkey and Qatar for their mediation efforts in the collapsed negotiations, recognizing them as supportive allies. A significant point of contention raised by Kabul involved accusations against specific factions within the Pakistani military, which the Taliban claims are actively working against Afghanistan’s stability. The Taliban government stated that these ‘certain military elements’ perceive a strong and secure Afghanistan as an obstacle to their strategic interests and are exploiting periods of unrest to further their agenda. This diplomatic friction comes amidst heightened tensions fueled by recent deadly border clashes. The Taliban expressed significant dissatisfaction with the Pakistani delegation’s approach during the talks, labeling it ‘irresponsible and non-cooperative,’ which they believe ultimately led to the breakdown. Despite the strained relations, the Taliban extended fraternal greetings to the people of Pakistan, wishing for peace and stability in the region. Furthermore, the Taliban government vehemently rejected Pakistan’s allegations that the rise of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) is a direct result of their return to power, dismissing these claims as ‘false and baseless.’ The Taliban spokesperson insisted that militancy in Pakistan is a long-standing internal issue, predating their current rule. In an effort to demonstrate commitment to regional stability, Kabul highlighted initiatives like promoting dialogue among leaders, relocating refugees from sensitive border areas, and implementing bans on weapons within refugee communities. These measures aim to mitigate conflict and ensure a secure environment.
