Pakistan warns Taliban over cross-border attacks from Afghanistan
Pakistan’s army spokesman has warned that if the Taliban administration does not stop attacks on Pakistan from Afghan soil, Islamabad will act “to any extent” to defend itself. Ahmad Sharif Chaudhry said Pakistan’s dispute is not with the people of Afghanistan, but with the Taliban authorities in Kabul.
In an interview with Arab News, Chaudhry said Pakistan has only one demand from the Taliban administration: to prevent Afghan territory from being used to attack Pakistan. He described the request as “very simple, logical and clear,” and added that resolving this issue alone could ease part of the tension between the two sides.
According to the Pakistani army spokesman, the Taliban administration must act against training camps, leaders and support networks of armed groups in order to improve relations, groups that Islamabad says are present in Afghanistan. He said these people are in Kabul, Kandahar and other areas, and urged the Taliban administration not to give them shelter, weapons or logistical support.
Chaudhry also said the Taliban administration is not inclusive and does not represent the people of Afghanistan. He rejected talks with Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan and said Pakistan will not negotiate with the group.
Islamabad accuses the Taliban administration of enabling attacks inside Pakistan by sheltering and supporting groups such as Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan. The Taliban administration denies the allegations.
Meanwhile, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told Arab News English on Friday that the administration wants to continue dialogue and cooperation with Pakistan. He denied that Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan has been allowed to operate from Afghan soil or that the Taliban support armed groups that attack other countries.
Mujahid also welcomed a greater role for Saudi Arabia in mediating between the Taliban administration and Pakistan. In response, the Pakistani army spokesman said improved relations depend on the Taliban administration taking steps to address Islamabad’s security concerns.
Relations between Pakistan and the Taliban administration have sharply deteriorated in recent months over allegations of support for armed groups, and the tensions have repeatedly led to border clashes. The Doha agreement, which Chaudhry also referred to, emphasizes preventing Afghan territory from being used for terrorist activities.
