Pakistan Says Taliban Do Not Represent Afghan People
Pakistan has openly questioned the legitimacy of the Taliban, following a surge in border clashes between Pakistani forces and the Afghan militant group. Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad on Friday, October 16, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Shafqat Ali stated that the Taliban do not represent the people of Afghanistan and that currently, there is no legitimate government in the country.
He added that the Taliban have seized power through armed force and that in the future, the Afghan people will choose a government that truly reflects their will. His comments reflect growing regional concern over Afghanistan’s political future under Taliban rule.
Ali went on to say that despite the current situation, Pakistan’s embassy in Kabul remains operational. He also strongly criticized the Taliban’s handling of the body of a Pakistani soldier, describing the act as something that “will neither be forgotten nor forgiven.”
These remarks come amid ongoing border tensions that began more than a week ago. Several military personnel and civilians on both sides have since been killed. Despite the continued fighting, the Taliban have confirmed that a delegation from the group is currently in Doha negotiating with Pakistani officials in an effort to reach a permanent ceasefire agreement.
Regional and international concerns have intensified due to border disputes, the absence of a legitimate government in Kabul, and the Taliban’s hostile behavior toward neighboring countries. The Taliban administration not only lacks broad domestic support within Afghanistan but is also facing increasing difficulties in the realm of international diplomacy.
