Pakistan Says Armed Groups Operating from Afghanistan Hinder Improved Relations
The spokesperson for Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the activities of terrorist groups operating from Afghan soil continue to overshadow efforts to establish peace and improve relations between Kabul and Islamabad. Tahir Andarabi, speaking at his weekly press briefing, emphasized that from Islamabad’s perspective, this issue poses a serious obstacle to enhancing security and bilateral relations.
He added that the residents on both sides of the Durand Line desire peace, stability, and calm relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan. According to him, there is no fundamental problem between the peoples of the two countries. The Durand Line, a disputed border between the two nations, has long been a source of political tension.
The Pakistani foreign ministry spokesperson claimed that the continued presence of some armed groups within Afghanistan has negatively impacted regional efforts to establish stability. Meanwhile, the Taliban administration has consistently denied these allegations, stressing that it will not allow Afghan territory to be used against neighboring countries.
Despite these denials, security concerns remain one of the main challenges in Kabul-Islamabad relations, a matter on which the Taliban administration is expected to be accountable and to take practical and transparent measures to address neighbors’ concerns.
Tahir Andarabi also stated that Pakistan focuses on diplomacy and dialogue regarding regional issues involving Afghanistan, Iran, India, and Somalia, striving to manage regional interactions through political means.
