Pakistan Denounces UK Envoy’s Remarks on Afghan Border as One-Sided
Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has criticized the statements of the British Special Representative for Afghanistan, calling his position “one-sided” and lacking a deep understanding of border realities. The ministry stated that cross-border attacks by the Afghan Taliban and other terrorist groups have resulted in the deaths of 52 civilians and injuries to 84 others within Pakistan.
Tahir Andarabi, the ministry’s spokesperson, issued a statement on Saturday, April 29, saying Islamabad had noted the remarks made by Richard Lindsay on social media. He emphasized that despite Pakistan’s temporary suspension of military operations against the Afghan Taliban, “cross-border violations” and attempts to infiltrate from Afghan territory continue.
Pakistan further alleged that following the halt of its operations, cross-border attacks by the Afghan Taliban and proxy agents of India inside Pakistan have persisted, leading to civilian casualties. The foreign ministry spokesperson added that Pakistani forces have thwarted multiple infiltration attempts from Afghan soil by precisely targeting Taliban positions and terrorist infrastructure.
He dismissed claims made by Taliban officials regarding civilian casualties caused by Pakistani strikes as “unsubstantiated” and stressed that addressing the issue without referencing the “roots of terrorism” fails to present a balanced perspective.
This response comes after Richard Lindsay, the UK Special Representative for Afghanistan, who last week visited Kabul and met with Taliban officials, called for a reduction in tensions and the initiation of dialogue between the two sides. He stated that there is no sustainable military solution to the ongoing tensions and that diplomatic channels must be strengthened.
Lindsay also urged the immediate reopening of border crossings to facilitate humanitarian aid deliveries, warning that continued restrictions could deny over one million women and children access to nutrition and health services. He also expressed his condolences for all civilian casualties resulting from both terrorism and military operations.
Relations between the Taliban administration and Pakistan have been marked by serious tensions in recent months. While Islamabad has repeatedly expressed concern over militants operating from Afghan territory, the Taliban administration has consistently denied these allegations. This ongoing situation, in addition to its security implications, has affected cross-border movement and the humanitarian conditions on both sides of the Durand Line.
