Pakistan Summons Afghan Ambassador Over Taliban-India Joint Statement on Kashmir
Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Saturday, October 10, that it summoned Afghanistan’s ambassador to express a “strong protest” against a joint statement issued by the Taliban administration and the Indian government. This move by Islamabad came after Amir Khan Muttaqi, acting foreign minister of the Taliban administration, embarked on a six-day visit to New Delhi and began meetings with Indian officials. In the final statement of these meetings, both parties expressed concern over terrorist attacks in the India-administered Kashmir region and declared solidarity. The statement also recognized Kashmir as part of India’s territory. Pakistan reacted to this portion of the statement, declaring that such remarks violate United Nations Security Council resolutions regarding the Kashmir situation. Islamabad further stated that the Taliban administration’s efforts to legitimize India’s claims over Kashmir are unacceptable. Continuing its protests, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry strongly rejected Amir Khan Muttaqi’s claim that “terrorism is an internal issue of Pakistan.” Islamabad emphasized that the Taliban administration cannot shirk its international obligations to maintain regional stability by shifting responsibilities onto others. Pakistan also highlighted its decades-long hosting of millions of Afghan refugees and asserted its right to set regulations for the residence of foreign nationals within its borders. Nevertheless, it promised to continue issuing medical and educational visas to Afghan citizens in a spirit of good neighborliness and Islamic brotherhood. Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry underscored that while the country facilitates economic and social cooperation between the two nations, it expects the Taliban administration to take practical steps to prevent terrorist groups from using Afghan territory against Pakistan.
