KABUL: Afghanistan wants to continue dialogue and cooperation with Pakistan and hopes outstanding issues between the two neighbouring countries can be resolved, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said.
In an interview with Al Arabiya English, Mujahid welcomed efforts by Saudi Arabia and other countries to help ease tensions between Islamabad and Kabul. He said Saudi Arabia could play a positive role in resolving differences between the two sides.
Mujahid said Kabul respected Saudi Arabia’s efforts to facilitate dialogue and viewed the kingdom as a friend of both Afghanistan and Pakistan.
He also said Afghanistan wanted stronger mechanisms for intelligence-sharing and cooperation with Pakistan, despite continuing disagreements over security issues.
Pakistan Raises Security Concerns
Mujahid’s remarks came after Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry discussed Pakistan’s concerns over militant activity from Afghan territory in an interview with Al Arabiya English.
Pakistan has repeatedly accused the Taliban authorities of allowing militant groups, including the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), to operate from Afghan soil. The Taliban has rejected the allegations.
Lt Gen Chaudhry has said Pakistan wants an end to terrorism and what it describes as interference from Afghanistan. He has also maintained that Pakistan reserves its right to self-defence under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter.
The ISPR chief said Pakistan would continue its counter-terrorism efforts and take measures to protect its citizens.
Taliban Rejects Militancy Allegations
Mujahid rejected Pakistan’s allegations that Afghan territory is being used to recruit, train and arm militants for attacks inside Pakistan.
He said the Taliban does not allow the TTP to operate from Afghan territory and does not support armed groups carrying out attacks against other countries. He argued that Pakistan should address its internal security challenges rather than attribute them to Afghanistan.
Mujahid also warned that Afghanistan would defend its territory against any Pakistani military action. He said Kabul would consider any such operation a violation of Afghan sovereignty.
Cross-Border Tensions Continue
Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have remained strained since the Taliban returned to power in 2021.
Islamabad has repeatedly raised concerns over militant activity along its western border and has called on Kabul to prevent Afghan territory from being used for attacks against Pakistan.
Kabul has disputed Pakistan’s accusations and maintained that it does not permit Afghan soil to be used against other countries. Despite the differences, Mujahid said Afghanistan remained willing to engage with Pakistan through dialogue.
Saudi Arabia’s potential role comes as Islamabad and Kabul continue to face disagreements over security and cross-border militancy. Mujahid said Riyadh could contribute positively to efforts aimed at resolving the dispute between the two neighbours.
