Afghanistan’s Defense Minister Mawlawi Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid has rejected Pakistan’s allegations linking India to regional tensions, calling the claims “unfounded, illogical, and unacceptable.” He emphasized that Afghanistan maintains its foreign relations independently and will continue strengthening ties with India in line with national interests, asserting that the country’s policy will never involve using its territory against other nations.
Mujahid also addressed Afghanistan-Pakistan relations, advocating for cooperation based on good neighborliness and trade expansion. He stressed that tensions between the two neighboring countries benefit no one and called for their relationship to be grounded in mutual respect. Referring to the Doha agreement, he noted that an upcoming meeting in Turkey would focus on its implementation and monitoring, warning that Pakistan’s non-compliance could create problems and urging mediating countries like Turkey and Qatar to ensure adherence.
He further highlighted that Afghanistan does not support armed groups against any country, including Pakistan, and stated that Afghans will defend their homeland if attacked. Relations between the two nations have been strained since the US-led troop withdrawal and the Taliban’s return to power, with recent border clashes causing deaths and damage. Pakistan has accused the Taliban of harboring militant groups such as the Pakistani Taliban (TTP), a claim India denies. Rising violence has also prompted mass deportations of Afghan migrants, with Pakistan often attributing internal security challenges to its neighbors.
