Taliban Issues Warning After Collapse of Afghanistan-Pakistan Peace Talks
The Taliban government in Afghanistan has issued a strong warning to Pakistan following the breakdown of the latest round of peace talks between the two neighbouring countries. In a statement, the Islamic Emirate declared that it would not tolerate any form of aggression and pledged to prevent the use of Afghan soil against any country.
The official spokesperson of the Taliban government accused certain factions within Pakistan’s military of pursuing policies detrimental to Afghanistan’s sovereignty and stability. The statement said Islamabad was attempting to stoke tensions through “manufactured pretexts” rather than pursuing genuine peace.
Talks End Without Agreement
The discussions, held with the mediation of Turkey and Qatar, ended in a deadlock. The Taliban expressed gratitude to both nations for hosting and facilitating the dialogue but criticised Pakistan’s “irresponsible and non-cooperative behaviour” for the failure to reach a resolution.
Reiterating its stance, the Taliban said: “The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan will not allow anyone to use its territory against another country, nor will it accept any interference that undermines Afghanistan’s sovereignty, independence, or security.” The statement added that defending the country’s land and people is both a national and Islamic duty.
Despite its stern warning, the Taliban noted that the Afghan and Pakistani people are “brothers” and expressed hope for peace and stability in Pakistan.
Border Tensions and Ceasefire
The collapse of talks comes amid heightened tensions between the two nations following deadly border clashes that claimed several lives, including both soldiers and civilians. The recent violence followed explosions in Kabul on October 9, coinciding with Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister’s visit to India. The situation eased after Qatar brokered a ceasefire on October 19, though it remains fragile.
Afghanistan Rejects Pakistan’s Accusations
In a separate statement, the Taliban dismissed Islamabad’s claims that instability in Pakistan escalated after the Taliban took power in 2021 and the resurgence of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The Islamic Emirate called these “false accusations,” stating that Pakistan’s internal security problems predate its government’s rise.
“Certain elements within Pakistan’s military perceive a strong and stable Afghanistan as a threat to their interests,” the Taliban alleged, accusing them of exploiting regional instability for political gain.
The Taliban also pointed to its domestic efforts to maintain order since taking control in 2021, including relocating refugees from tribal border areas and enforcing a ban on weapons within refugee settlements to reduce cross-border tensions.
The statement concluded by reaffirming Afghanistan’s commitment to peace while asserting that any aggression would be met with firm resistance.