Taliban Asserts No Threat to Pakistan, Calls for Dialogue Amid Tensions

Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesperson for the Taliban government, stated that there are no threats to Pakistan from Afghan soil and that his government does not permit the activities of members of Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). He emphasized that dialogue and understanding, rather than conflict, are solutions to existing tensions and warned that if cross-border attacks occur again, the responsibility will lie with Pakistan.

No Threats from Afghanistan, Says Taliban

In an interview with Khyber News, Mujahid reiterated that there are no threats stemming from Afghanistan toward Pakistan, asserting that the Taliban government does not allow members of the TTP to operate from within Afghan territory. He expressed a desire for positive relations between the two nations, asserting that no group should utilize Afghan land to act against any country.

Emphasis on Dialogue Over Tension

Mujahid acknowledged the recent strained relations between Kabul and Islamabad, stressing that the Taliban seeks to resolve disputes through dialogue and understanding. “We are not proponents of war; the root causes of these issues need to be identified and addressed through consensus,” he stated.

Warning Against Pakistani Border Attacks

Responding to recent airstrikes by Pakistan in Paktika province and other areas of Afghanistan, Mujahid noted that these attacks have resulted in the deaths of women and children. He cautioned that if such actions continue, full responsibility for the consequences will fall on the opposing side.

Afghanistan’s Right to Manage Water Resources

In a separate interview with a Pakistani media outlet, Mujahid articulated that the management of Afghanistan’s water resources is an inherent right. He emphasized that Afghanistan, like Pakistan, has the right to construct dams and manage its own resources within its territory.

Pakistan Hopes for Fruitful Istanbul Negotiations

Meanwhile, Pakistani Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Andrabi expressed hope that the upcoming third round of negotiations between the Taliban and Islamabad in Istanbul would lead to constructive outcomes.

Escalating Tensions Following Border Attacks

Relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan have soured significantly in recent weeks following several border skirmishes and mutual accusations of harboring militant groups. Both nations are striving to find a pathway to diminish tensions through dialogue, with the mediation of Turkey and Qatar.