Taliban Official Says If Pakistan Takes One Step, We’ll Take Two to Improve Relations
A senior Taliban official has stated that if Pakistan takes practical steps to reduce border tensions, the Taliban administration will take “two steps” toward improving relations. This position was expressed during a meeting between Abdul Wasi, Director General of the Office of the Prime Minister of the Taliban administration, and Richard Lindsay, the UK Special Representative for Afghanistan, at the Arg.
According to a statement issued by the Taliban Prime Minister’s office, Abdul Wasi emphasized that they seek an end to tensions and aim to strengthen friendly relations with Pakistan, but simultaneously consider the defense of “Afghanistan’s territorial integrity and its people” as their right. He condemned recent attacks by Pakistani forces on residential areas and a university in Asadabad, the center of Kunar province, saying that targeting civilians, especially women and children, “has no justification.”
UNAMA had earlier reported that these attacks resulted in dozens of civilian casualties, sparking widespread concern. The increase in civilian casualties has again highlighted the urgent need for effective mechanisms to prevent harm to non-combatants.
Abdul Wasi called on involved countries and international organizations to “understand the facts” about the current tensions and identify the responsible party. He also stressed the importance of respecting the rights of Afghan refugees in Pakistan and preventing any harm against them, despite Pakistan hosting these refugees for several decades.
In response, the UK Special Representative expressed condolences for the casualties caused by recent clashes and stressed that the continuation of conflict benefits none of the parties. He said that ending the tensions requires “political will” and confidence-building steps from both sides. He also highlighted ongoing efforts to reduce tensions and foster a spirit of cordiality between the parties.
The issue of humanitarian aid delivery was also discussed during the meeting. The Taliban official stated that they have not created any obstacles to this process and have called on Pakistan to facilitate the transfer of aid.
These developments come amid ongoing border clashes between the Taliban administration and Pakistan since February 26, which have resulted in border crossings being closed to both passenger travel and commercial trade. Although both sides held week-long talks in China earlier this month, these negotiations have yet to yield any tangible reduction in tensions.
