ISLAMABAD: On Saturday, Pakistan firmly reiterated its commitment to dialogue with the Afghan Taliban but expressed that it would not tolerate what it described as a mere “pretence of dialogue” used as a cover for threats against its citizens.
This statement from the information ministry followed remarks made by Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid, who, in an interview with Al Arabiya English the previous day, indicated that Afghanistan was eager for dialogue with Pakistan and suggested enhancing intelligence-sharing and cooperation mechanisms. Mujahid also highlighted the potential for a greater mediating role for Saudi Arabia, which he deemed a friend to both nations, in resolving their ongoing issues.
In its response, Pakistan dismissed Kabul’s threats of “retaliatory action” should Islamabad engage in military operations on Afghan soil. The Pakistani government emphasized that the Taliban regime should focus on dismantling terrorist networks operating within its borders instead of shifting blame elsewhere.
Rejection of Claims and Warnings
During the interview, Mujahid cautioned Pakistan against conducting military operations in Afghanistan, asserting that Kabul would defend its sovereignty against any such incursions. He denied claims from Islamabad that Afghan territory was being utilized by militant groups to launch assaults on Pakistan.
He stated, “If Pakistan invokes Article 51 to violate the sanctity of Afghan territory, Afghanistan has the right to defend itself, and we will respond decisively to any such violation.” Mujahid warned of a severe reaction to any infringement of Afghan sovereignty.
Meanwhile, Pakistan reaffirmed its determination and capability to eliminate terrorist threats, vowing to undertake all necessary actions, in compliance with international law, to ensure the safety and sovereignty of its citizens.
Concerns Over Terrorism and Regional Security
Pakistan linked Mujahid’s warnings to a recent tragic terrorist attack that targeted civilians and police officers during Friday prayers in Kohat. The information ministry condemned this “barbaric” act and characterized the attackers as part of the “vilest of Khwarij” with ties to Afghanistan.
Pakistan has consistently expressed concerns about the use of Afghan territory by groups like the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which it refers to as Fitna al-Khawarij, for planning and executing attacks on its soil. The ministry stated, “The existence of terrorist sanctuaries, along with their recruitment and support infrastructure in Afghanistan, poses a direct threat to Pakistan’s security,” emphasizing that these concerns have been repeatedly communicated to the Taliban regime.
Furthermore, Pakistan rejected Mujahid’s claims that the TTP is not allowed to operate from Afghan territory or that armed groups targeting other nations do not receive support from Kabul. It reminded the Afghan Taliban of their obligations under the Doha Agreement to prevent Afghan territory from being used to threaten neighboring countries.
While acknowledging the Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ condemnation of the Kohat attack and their condolences to the victims’ families, Pakistan expressed disappointment that the statement failed to address the issue of terrorism directly. The ministry insisted that condemnation must be accompanied by tangible actions, urging the Taliban to implement credible and sustained measures to dismantle terrorist networks and disrupt their recruitment and training activities.
