Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities have accused Pakistan of contributing to conflict and instability in the region, rejecting Islamabad’s claims that Afghan territory is being used by militant groups to conduct attacks against Pakistan. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid made the remarks in response to comments by Pakistan’s permanent representative to the United Nations concerning Afghanistan’s obligations and the expectations of the international community, Tolo News reported.
Mujahid rejected Pakistan’s allegations against the Afghan authorities and described the statements as interference in Afghanistan’s internal affairs. Pakistan has repeatedly accused Afghanistan of providing sanctuary to militants and failing to prevent groups based on Afghan territory from carrying out attacks against Pakistan. The Taliban authorities have denied these allegations and maintain that Afghanistan’s territory is not being used to threaten other countries. Mujahid called on Pakistan to address its domestic security challenges rather than attribute them to neighboring states.
“We believe that Pakistan, not we, is fomenting war and instability in the region,” Mujahid said.
He also alleged that members of ISIS are being trained in Pakistan and used against Afghanistan. Mujahid further claimed that Afghan opposition and refugee groups operating from Pakistan were being organized against the Taliban authorities. The information provided did not include independent evidence supporting these allegations.
Mujahid’s comments followed statements by Pakistan’s permanent representative to the UN, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, who said Afghanistan’s current authorities had failed to meet commitments and expectations outlined by the international community. The Pakistani representative identified three main areas: establishment of an inclusive government, protection of human rights, particularly the rights of women, and preventing Afghan territory from being used against other countries.
He said developments over the past five years had not produced progress in these areas and argued that conditions had instead deteriorated. Pakistan has placed particular emphasis on cross-border security and militant activity. Islamabad maintains that militants operating from Afghanistan have been involved in attacks inside Pakistan, an allegation repeatedly rejected by the Taliban authorities.
Relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan have faced continuing tensions over security, cross-border militant activity and broader political issues. The two sides have exchanged accusations concerning responsibility for instability and militant activity, while regional countries have undertaken mediation efforts aimed at reducing tensions.
The latest statements indicate that disagreements over security remain unresolved. Pakistan continues to call on Afghanistan’s authorities to prevent its territory from being used by groups targeting neighboring countries, while the Taliban administration rejects responsibility for Pakistan’s security problems and has raised its own allegations concerning militant activity inside Pakistan.
