The truce between Afghanistan and Pakistan rests on a precarious balance. Pakistan has resumed issuing threats against Afghanistan. Defense Minister Khawaja Asif remarked, 'Anything coming from Afghanistan that breaches this agreement will violate the ceasefire. The entire agreement rests on this fragile line.'
In a statement on Monday, Khawaja Asif emphasized that the ceasefire agreement between Islamabad and Kabul hinges on how the Afghan Taliban curtails attacks on Pakistan.
Khawaja Asif highlighted the agreement between Pakistan, Afghanistan, Turkey, and Qatar, explicitly stating that there should be no infiltration. 'We have a ceasefire agreement, provided there are no violations of the pre-existing accord.'
Afghan Defense Minister Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid issued a stern warning to Pakistan, urging all parties to honor every provision of the agreement. Kabul remains committed to these conditions and warns that if Pakistan fails to meet its obligations, complications will arise.
He called upon mediating countries like Turkey and Qatar to aid in the implementation of the agreement between Kabul and Islamabad.
Baseless, Illogical, and Unacceptable Allegations
Afghanistan has outright dismissed Pakistan's recurring allegations related to India, deeming them groundless. Pakistan accuses Afghanistan of allowing India to use its soil against Pakistan, which Afghanistan refutes. Moreover, Pakistan describes the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) as 'Fitna-al Hindustan' and 'Fitna al Khwarij,' accusing them of receiving Indian support without basis.
Responding to accusations of India supporting the Taliban, Afghan Defense Minister Yaqoob Mujahid stated, 'These claims are baseless. Our policy has never been to use our territory against other nations. We maintain relations with India as a sovereign nation and aim to strengthen these ties within our national interests. Our goal is to expand relations, not create tension. Pakistan's claims are unfounded, illogical, and unacceptable.'
Pakistan Labels Political Opponents as Terrorists - Afghanistan
Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid further emphasized that if any country attacks Afghanistan, it will bravely defend its land. He highlighted Afghanistan's rich history of defending its homeland.
The Afghan defense minister also pointed out that Pakistan often labels its political adversaries as 'terrorists.'
Yaqoob Mujahid added that the term 'terrorist' has never been clearly defined.
He stressed that Afghanistan's policy does not support armed groups against other nations, including Pakistan.
We Did Not Conduct Airstrikes on Kabul - Pakistan
In a separate interview with Arab News, Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Asif denied allegations of conducting airstrikes in Kabul on the behest of the US, calling it 'utter nonsense and nothing more.'
He questioned why Pakistan would engage in such actions, asserting that Pakistan's interference in Afghanistan over the decades has been substantial.
Asif declared, 'We want to stay clear and live as respectable neighbors. We do not wish to meddle in Afghan affairs.' He further noted Pakistan's indifference to Afghanistan's relations with India or any other country.
'Absolutely not. What they do within their borders, as long as it does not affect our region, is none of our concern,' stated Pakistan's Defense Minister.
It is noted that recent bloody clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan have claimed scores of lives. This confrontation has led to the announcement of a ceasefire agreement between the two nations.
