Afghanistan Rejects Pakistan’s “Illogical” Claims, Says Ties with India Are Independent
Afghanistan’s Defense Minister Mawlawi Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid has strongly dismissed Pakistan’s allegations linking India to regional instability, describing them as “baseless, illogical, and unacceptable.
In an interview with Al Jazeera, Mujahid asserted that Afghanistan manages its foreign affairs as a fully independent nation and will continue fostering relations with India in line with its own national interests. “Our policy does not involve using Afghan soil against any country. We will strengthen our relationship with India as an independent state, guided solely by Afghanistan’s priorities,” he stated.
Addressing tensions with Islamabad, Mujahid said Kabul wants to improve relations with Pakistan based on mutual respect, trade, and neighborly cooperation. “Afghanistan and Pakistan are neighboring nations. Tensions between us benefit no one. Our relations should be grounded in respect and good neighborly principles,” he emphasized.
Emphasis on the Doha Agreement
Referencing the 2020 Doha Agreement, Mujahid revealed that an upcoming meeting in Turkey will review its implementation. He urged Pakistan to fulfill its commitments under the pact and called on mediating nations including Türkiye and Qatar to ensure compliance. Mujahid reiterated that Afghanistan’s policy is not to support militant activity against any country, including Pakistan, adding that Afghan forces will “bravely defend the nation” if threatened.
Long-Standing Friction with Pakistan
Relations between Kabul and Islamabad have deteriorated since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021 following the withdrawal of US-led forces. In recent months, border clashes have claimed dozens of lives and caused extensive property damage.
Pakistan continues to accuse the Taliban of sheltering militant outfits such as the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which it blames for a wave of deadly attacks. Pakistani officials say that more than 100 security personnel were killed in assaults launched from Afghan territory in October alone.
The spike in violence has coincided with Islamabad’s expulsion of thousands of Afghan refugees amid accusations that migrants are involved in criminal activity. Pakistan’s military has also alleged Indian support for the TTP—a charge New Delhi denies, calling it a diversion from Pakistan’s internal security challenges.