Afghanistan’s ruling Taliban has declared it will not tolerate any nation using its territory for hostile purposes, delivering a clear warning to Pakistan after peace negotiations reached an impasse. The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan reiterated its commitment to safeguarding its people and land, asserting that any form of aggression would be met with a robust defense. In a strong statement, the Taliban spokesperson underscored that Afghanistan adheres to a ‘principled position’ of non-interference and expects the same from others, emphasizing that no foreign power will be allowed to undermine its security or sovereignty. The Taliban government further accused certain Pakistani military factions of deliberately fostering instability and creating tensions, alleging these elements perceive a stable Afghanistan as detrimental to their objectives. This dynamic has contributed to a sharp decline in relations, exacerbated by recent lethal border skirmishes. Despite the breakdown in talks, for which the Taliban blamed Pakistan’s delegation, the group conveyed goodwill towards the Pakistani populace. They firmly refuted Pakistan’s allegations connecting the rise of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) to their governance, describing these claims as ‘false and baseless’ and characterizing the TTP issue as an internal Pakistani challenge. The Taliban also detailed proactive steps implemented to foster regional calm, such as promoting inter-community dialogue and managing refugee populations near the Durand Line. The ongoing diplomatic deadlock and persistent border friction highlight the delicate state of Afghan-Pakistani relations.
