Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, has forcefully denied Pakistan’s allegations of harboring terrorists, stating that the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has no bases or headquarters within Afghan territory. In a sharp rebuttal, Muttaqi urged Pakistan to address its internal security challenges, questioning why Islamabad only directs complaints toward Kabul while maintaining peaceful relations with other neighbors like China and Iran.
Muttaqi explained that while some Pakistani families sought refuge in Afghanistan during past conflicts with previous regimes, the current Taliban government does not permit TTP camps. He addressed the contentious Durand Line, describing the mountainous 2,500-kilometer border as too challenging to control by force, emphasizing that peace and understanding are the only effective means to manage it.
He also commented on Pakistan’s internal governance, suggesting that a technologically advanced nation should be capable of maintaining domestic peace. “When the Taliban established control over all of Afghanistan after 40 years of war, why can’t Pakistan control its own people? Pakistan must put its own house in order,” Muttaqi remarked.
Regarding relations with India, the Foreign Minister indicated a gradual normalization, stating that peace in Afghanistan contributes to regional stability, including for Indian diplomats. He confirmed plans to send new diplomats to India and expressed optimism about restoring bilateral ties. Muttaqi also clarified the embassy flag controversy in New Delhi, affirming the use of the flag under which the Taliban achieved victory. He assured that Afghanistan’s internal matters are under control and that peace has been achieved after decades of conflict. He confirmed that Afghan embassies are now under Taliban administration and that retaliatory operations against Pakistan were successful and carefully executed to avoid civilian casualties, amidst rising cross-border tensions.