Kabul [Afghanistan], September 19 (ANI): Afghanistan has the correct to defend its territory towards any Pakistani army motion, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid stated, warning Islamabad of a “crushing response” if it carries out strikes inside Afghanistan.
In an interview with Al Arabiya English, Mujahid rejected Pakistan’s allegations that Afghan territory is being utilized by militant teams to recruit, practice and launch assaults towards Pakistan.
“If Pakistan invokes Article 51 to violate the sanctity of Afghan territory, Afghanistan has the correct to defend its nation, and we are going to achieve this,” Mujahid stated.
He warned that any army operation inside Afghanistan would represent a violation of Afghan sovereignty and will set off a powerful response from Kabul.
Mujahid was responding to allegations made by the spokesperson for the Pakistani military in an earlier interview with Al Arabiya English. The Pakistani army official had alleged that militant teams had been utilizing Afghan territory to recruit, practice and arm fighters who subsequently perform assaults inside Pakistan.
The Taliban spokesperson rejected the allegations and stated Kabul doesn’t allow the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) to function from Afghan soil. He additionally denied that the Taliban administration helps armed teams finishing up assaults towards different international locations.
Mujahid as a substitute urged Pakistan to deal with its inner safety challenges, arguing that unrest involving the TTP and Baloch armed teams predates the Taliban’s return to energy in Afghanistan.
The remarks come amid strained relations between Kabul and Islamabad, with Pakistan repeatedly elevating issues over militant exercise alongside its western border.
Regardless of his warning towards army motion, Mujahid stated Afghanistan stays open to dialogue with Pakistan. He referred to as for stronger mechanisms for intelligence-sharing and bilateral cooperation to deal with safety issues.
Mujahid additionally welcomed a larger position for Saudi Arabia in mediating between the 2 international locations. He stated Riyadh maintains pleasant relations with each Afghanistan and Pakistan and will contribute positively to efforts geared toward resolving their variations.
The Taliban has beforehand referred to as for dialogue to deal with disputes with Pakistan, whereas Islamabad has continued to demand motion towards militant teams it says are working from Afghan territory. (ANI)
