The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has issued a stern warning to Pakistan following the collapse of recent peace talks. Kabul emphatically stated that it will not permit any nation to utilize Afghan territory for hostile activities, reaffirming its commitment to defending its sovereignty and people. A spokesperson for the Taliban government underscored this “principled position,” asserting that Afghan land will not be used against any other country, nor will Afghanistan allow its own security or sovereignty to be compromised.
The Taliban’s statement highlighted that the defense of Afghanistan is both an Islamic and national imperative. This firm stance comes amid accusations from Kabul that certain elements within the Pakistani military are actively undermining Afghanistan’s stability. The Taliban alleges that these Pakistani military factions view a strong and secure Afghan government as a threat to their own objectives and exploit regional unrest to sow discord.
Tensions between the two neighboring nations have been particularly high due to recent deadly border clashes. While a fragile ceasefire brokered by Qatar in October has somewhat de-escalated immediate conflict, the underlying issues persist. The Taliban expressed disappointment with Pakistan’s delegation, citing their “irresponsible and non-cooperative” attitude as a key factor in the breakdown of dialogue. Despite the strained relations, the Taliban conveyed goodwill towards the “Muslim people of Pakistan,” referring to them as “brothers” and expressing hopes for peace and stability.
Furthermore, the Islamic Emirate categorically dismissed Pakistan’s claims linking the rise of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) to the Taliban’s return to power. The Taliban spokesperson labeled these accusations as “false and baseless,” arguing that militancy within Pakistan is a long-standing internal issue predating their 2021 resurgence and not a consequence of the current Afghan government.
Kabul also detailed measures it has taken to foster regional stability, including promoting inter-leader dialogue, relocating refugees from border areas, and disarming refugee communities. As diplomatic channels falter, the Taliban’s strong declaration signals the precarious state of regional security and the urgent need for de-escalation.