Afghanistan’s Defense Minister, Mawlawi Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid, has firmly dismissed Pakistan’s claims linking India to regional tensions as “baseless, irrational, and unacceptable.” Kabul asserts its independent foreign relations and intends to enhance its ties with India in alignment with national interests.
Mujahid emphasized that the accusations lack merit and affirmed Afghanistan’s commitment to not engage in activities that threaten other nations. He reiterated that Afghanistan upholds its relations with India autonomously and will fortify these connections within the scope of national interests, as stated in an interview with Al Jazeera.
Regarding Afghanistan-Pakistan relations, Mujahid expressed Kabul’s intent to foster a relationship with Islamabad based on mutual respect and expanding trade opportunities. Stressing the significance of good neighborly principles, he highlighted that tensions between the two nations are detrimental and should be replaced with a foundation of respect and cooperation.
In reference to the Doha agreement, Mujahid mentioned an upcoming meeting in Turkey that will concentrate on the implementation and oversight of the pact. He cautioned that Pakistan’s failure to comply could lead to complications and urged mediating nations like Turkey and Qatar to aid in ensuring adherence to the agreement.
Furthermore, Mujahid outlined Afghanistan’s policy of not supporting armed groups against any country, including Pakistan, affirming that Afghans will courageously defend their homeland if faced with aggression.
The strained relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan have escalated following the withdrawal of US-led forces and the resurgence of the Taliban regime. Recent border clashes have resulted in numerous casualties and extensive destruction.
Pakistan has repeatedly accused the Taliban administration of harboring militant organizations, attributing a surge in attacks against its security forces to these groups. Reports suggest that the Pakistani Taliban (TTP) and its associates are responsible for a significant portion of the violence. In October alone, more than 100 security personnel and police officers were killed in attacks carried out by assailants from Afghanistan, according to a Pakistani security source.
The escalating violence has prompted the mass expulsion of Afghan migrants and asylum seekers, who have been accused of criminal activities and forcibly returned across the border. Additionally, Pakistan’s military has accused New Delhi of backing the TTP, a claim that India refutes. India’s Ministry of External Affairs stated that Pakistan frequently shifts blame onto its neighbors for internal security challenges.