Pakistan Calls for the Freedom of Afghan People from Taliban Rule
Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in an unprecedented reaction to the Taliban administration’s performance, has called for the formation of an elected government that truly represents the people of Afghanistan. In an official statement released on Sunday, October 12, the ministry expressed concern over escalating tensions between the two sides and emphasized the necessity of freeing the Afghan people.
The statement reads: “We also hope that one day the people of Afghanistan will be free and governed by a truly representative and popular government.” Such remarks from Islamabad, previously an open supporter of the Taliban, indicate a shift in the country’s approach.
Pakistan’s comments come amid an unprecedented phase of tension in relations between the Taliban administration and Pakistan. This rift intensified during the visit of Amir Khan Muttaqi, the acting Taliban Foreign Minister, to India. During his visit, Muttaqi denied the presence of terrorist groups inside Afghanistan.
However, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs rejected these claims as unfounded. The statement referred to United Nations documents and reports confirming the presence and activities of terrorist groups such as Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other armed factions on Afghan soil.
Pakistan also urged the Taliban administration to adhere to its international commitments in combating terrorism and to prevent the use of Afghan territory as a base for attacks against other countries. These demands have once again raised alarm bells over the fragile ties between the Taliban and their southern neighbor.
Although Islamabad was considered a key supporter of the Taliban in past years, it now appears that even this regional backer is increasingly worried about the unstable situation in Afghanistan under Taliban rule.
