Taliban Calls for Continued Dialogue and Cooperation With Pakistan
The Taliban administration in Afghanistan has expressed its willingness to continue dialogue and cooperation with Pakistan, while welcoming Saudi Arabia’s efforts to help reduce tensions between the two neighbouring countries.
Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid made the remarks during an interview with Al Arabiya English, saying Kabul hoped ongoing diplomatic efforts could help address unresolved issues with Islamabad.
Kabul Welcomes Saudi Mediation Efforts
Mujahid said Afghanistan welcomed efforts by Saudi Arabia and other countries to facilitate dialogue between Kabul and Islamabad.
He said Saudi Arabia could play a positive role in helping the two sides find a way forward on their differences.
Mujahid also highlighted the importance of Saudi Arabia to Afghans, saying the country and the two Holy Mosques are held in high regard.
He reiterated Kabul’s willingness to remain engaged with Pakistan and said Afghanistan respected Saudi Arabia’s efforts to facilitate discussions between the two countries.
Pakistan Raises Security Concerns
Mujahid’s comments came shortly after Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry discussed Pakistan’s concerns about terrorism and alleged interference originating from Afghan territory.
In an interview with Al Arabiya English, Chaudhry said Pakistan wanted terrorist attacks and interference from Afghanistan to end. He alleged that militant groups were using territory under Taliban control for recruitment, training, arming and planning attacks against Pakistan and other countries in the region.
The ISPR chief also referred to United Nations reporting on the presence of multiple militant groups in Afghanistan. He said Pakistan reserved its right to self-defence under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter and would continue taking measures to protect its citizens.
Dispute Over Cross-Border Militancy
Security concerns have remained a major source of tension between Pakistan and Afghanistan since the Taliban returned to power in 2021.
Islamabad has repeatedly called on Kabul to prevent Afghan territory from being used for attacks inside Pakistan. Pakistani authorities have particularly raised concerns about militant groups operating from Afghanistan.
The Taliban administration has rejected Pakistan’s allegations, maintaining that Afghan territory is not being allowed to be used for attacks against other countries.
Dialogue Remains a Key Issue
Despite several rounds of talks and diplomatic contacts, Pakistan and Afghanistan continue to face disagreements over security and cross-border militancy.
Mujahid’s latest comments indicate that Kabul remains open to dialogue, while Pakistan continues to seek measures to address what it describes as security threats originating from Afghan territory.
Saudi Arabia’s potential role in facilitating communication between the two sides could therefore become part of ongoing efforts to address the differences between Islamabad and Kabul.
