KABUL/ ISLAMABAD (SW) – Shafqat Ali Khan, spokesperson for Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, expressed ongoing security concerns about threats emanating from Afghanistan during a press conference on Friday.
He stated that “sanctuaries of Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) members” in Afghanistan are a key issue that continues to strain relations between Kabul and Islamabad.
The Pakistani spokesperson further emphasized that Pakistan will continue to engage with the Islamic Emirate’s de-facto government, but long-term bilateral cooperation will not be possible unless Pakistan’s security concerns regarding Afghanistan are addressed.
“Afghanistan is Pakistan’s neighbor. One of the key issues that affects our relations is the sanctuaries of TTP-linked terrorists on Afghan soil. We have raised this issue with the interim Afghan government and continue to insist that it must be resolved,” he stressed.
Reacting to this, Zia Ahmad Takal, deputy spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs under the de-facto government, told Salam Watandar that the Islamic Emirate will not allow any individual or group to use Afghanistan’s territory against the interests of neighboring countries or the region.
He said, “The Islamic Emirate has repeatedly made its stance clear on this issue. It will not allow anyone to use Afghanistan’s soil to pose a threat to neighboring countries or the region.”
Military affairs experts argue that the growing tensions between Islamabad and Kabul should be resolved through dialogue and diplomatic channels.
Asadullah Nadim, a military expert, highlighted the long shared border between Afghanistan and Pakistan, as well as the deep cultural and religious ties. He noted that both countries need bilateral cooperation for peace and stability, and that issues concerning the TTP should be addressed diplomatically, with the interests of both sides in mind.
He added, “… because Afghanistan and Pakistan need each other. As neighbors, Afghanistan shares the longest border with Pakistan. Therefore, good relations with Pakistan are crucial for Afghanistan’s development and strengthening its system. The Taliban government should strive to resolve this issue through dialogue and mutual understanding.”
Sadeq Shinwari, another military and intelligence expert, says that Pakistan has always had a dual policy toward Afghanistan and should not blame Afghanistan for its internal insecurities. “Pakistan should end the operations of the tourist centers active within its borders. It should not pursue a dual policy against Afghanistan, as this will help resolve the challenges.”
The Prime Minister of Pakistan and the President of Turkey recently held a joint meeting, emphasizing the need for an inclusive government, the fight against terrorism, respect for the rights of women and girls, and continued humanitarian aid to Afghanistan.
