Taliban Reaffirms No Threat to Pakistan, Urges Dialogue Amid Rising Tensions

According to Zabiullah Mujahid, the spokesperson for the Taliban government, there is no threat to Pakistan from Afghan territory, and the Taliban will not permit members of Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan to operate within Afghanistan. He emphasized that dialogue and understanding are the paths to resolving existing tensions, rather than conflict, and warned that any further cross-border attacks would hold Pakistan responsible.

Taliban: No Threat to Pakistan from Afghan Soil

In an interview with Khyber News, Zabiullah Mujahid reiterated that there is no imminent danger posed to Pakistan from Afghanistan and that the Taliban government does not allow the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) to conduct activities from its territory. He stated, “We seek good relations between the two countries and no group is permitted to utilize Afghan soil against any nation.”

Emphasis on Dialogue Over Tension

Mujahid remarked on the recent strained relations between Kabul and Islamabad, asserting that the Taliban government favors resolving disputes through dialogue and mutual understanding. He pointed out, “We do not advocate war; the core issues must be identified and addressed through understanding.”

Warning Regarding Pakistan’s Cross-Border Attacks

The Taliban spokesperson reacted to recent airstrikes by Pakistan in Paktika province and other areas of Afghanistan, noting that these attacks have resulted in civilian casualties, including women and children. He cautioned that if such actions continue, full responsibility will lie with the opposing side.

Right to Manage Afghanistan’s Water Resources

In a separate interview with a Pakistani media outlet, Mujahid affirmed that the control and management of water resources is a legitimate right of Afghanistan. He emphasized that, just like Pakistan, Afghanistan has the right to construct dams and manage its resources on its own territory.

Pakistan’s Hope for Outcome from Istanbul Talks

Meanwhile, Tahir Andrabi, the spokesman for the Pakistani Foreign Ministry, expressed optimism that the upcoming third round of negotiations between the Taliban and Islamabad, scheduled to take place in Istanbul, will yield constructive results.

Escalating Tensions Amid Cross-Border Attacks

Relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan have deteriorated significantly in recent weeks following a series of border skirmishes and mutual accusations of harboring armed groups. Both nations are striving to find a path to de-escalation through dialogue, aided by mediation from Turkey and Qatar.