Afghanistan’s ruling Taliban government has issued a forceful declaration, warning Pakistan that Afghan soil will not be allowed for any hostile activities. This comes after the latest round of peace negotiations between the two neighboring countries concluded without progress, leading to a diplomatic stalemate. The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan asserted its readiness to defend its territory and people from any form of aggression. A statement from the official spokesman underscored Afghanistan’s unwavering commitment to not allowing its land to be used against other nations, nor permitting external forces to undermine its sovereignty and security. The defense of Afghanistan was described as a sacred duty. The Taliban acknowledged the mediating roles of Turkey and Qatar, labeling them ‘brotherly nations’ for their efforts. The regime also voiced strong accusations against Pakistan, alleging that specific Pakistani military factions are actively working to destabilize Afghanistan. According to the Taliban, these elements perceive a stable and secure Afghanistan as a threat to their strategic objectives and are exploiting regional turmoil to achieve their aims. This diplomatic fallout follows recent deadly border skirmishes that have heightened tensions. The Taliban’s foreign minister visit to India also coincided with earlier explosions in Kabul, further complicating relations. A fragile ceasefire brokered by Qatar on October 19th brought a temporary halt to the fighting. The Taliban criticized the Pakistani delegation for an ‘irresponsible and non-cooperative’ approach that ultimately scuttled the peace talks, though they maintained a message of fraternity towards the Pakistani populace. Addressing Pakistan’s claims about the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), the Taliban firmly rejected any link, calling the accusations ‘false and baseless’ and characterizing the TTP issue as an internal Pakistani problem that existed long before 2021. Kabul outlined preventative actions, including fostering inter-leader dialogue, relocating populations from border areas, and enforcing weapon bans in refugee camps, all aimed at ensuring regional stability and preventing a resurgence of conflict.
