Pakistan Foreign Ministry: Kabul-Islamabad Relations ‘Multi Layered’

Shafqat Ali Khan, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that relations between Kabul and Islamabad are multi layered.

Ali Khan said that officials from both countries are in contact to address the challenges between Kabul and Islamabad.

The spokesperson said: “We have long standing relations. It’s an important neighbor. And both countries understand the importance of this equation and importance of good relations between two neighbors. One of the key problems right now is the sanctuaries which the terrorist group TTP enjoys on the Afghan soil. We will continue to engage with Afghan authorities that they have to address this genuine concern from Pakistan.”

“Pakistan showed some flexibility and realized that Afghanistan, as an independent country, does not interfere in the internal affairs of other nations. Afghan officials also demonstrated readiness to negotiate with Pakistan; however, the issue of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) is an internal matter for Pakistan,” said Zuhoruddin Zaheer, a political analyst.

The spokesperson for Pakistan’s foreign ministry, responding to a question about Wakhan, stated that his country recognizes Afghanistan’s sovereignty and dismissed reports about its annexation to Pakistan as baseless.

He further said: “Wakhan is a part of Afghan territory. Afghanistan is a neighbor of Pakistan. We recognize its sovereignty and territorial integrity. There is no question of Pakistan having designs on one of its neighbors, the question doesn’t arise. So I would deem this assertion too speculative and totally erroneous.”

Meanwhile, the Islamic Emirate stated that it seeks good relations with Pakistan and has made efforts in this regard.

Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate, said: “Sometimes, the principles between two neighbors and two countries have not been taken into consideration. It is very important to ensure trust. The issue of TTP or the war within Pakistan is a matter that pertains to that country. We are working to find a solution to this issue; however, it is not our matter. We will not allow Afghanistan’s soil to be used against any country, including Pakistan.”

At the same time, Hafiz Naeem Ur Rehman, leader of Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan announced the upcoming visit of several Pakistani delegations to Afghanistan.

Hafiz Naeem Ur Rehman said: “It is unfortunate that we even have a trust crisis with a country like Afghanistan. The responsibility for this lies with those who collaborated with the United States. They are all accountable. Regardless, this war should not be prolonged, and these issues should not be magnified.”

Earlier, relations between the two countries had deteriorated in recent weeks due to Pakistan’s attacks on parts of Afghanistan.