ays after the inconclusive third round of talks between Kabul and Islamabad, officials from both sides continue to propose solutions to the crisis.
Kabul 24: Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that his country is ready for cooperation only if the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan takes “effective steps” against the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other groups.
He emphasized: “Afghanistan must understand that supporting TTP will not guarantee peace. If Kabul takes serious action against these groups, Pakistan will extend a hand of cooperation.” Sharif described a stable Afghanistan as “the key to regional prosperity.”In response, Mohammad Naeem, Deputy Minister for Finance and Administration at Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told foreign diplomats in Kabul that the Pakistani delegation’s demands were “unrealistic and impractical,” which stalled progress in the talks.
He affirmed that Kabul remains in contact with mediating countries and is prepared for diplomatic resolution whenever Islamabad engages with “rationality and good faith.”Zia Ahmad Takal, Head of Public Relations at Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said attributing all of Pakistan’s security issues to Afghanistan indicates the presence of “specific circles” within the Pakistani military that oppose negotiated solutions.Inside Pakistan, criticism is also mounting.
Mahmood Khan Achakzai, leader of the Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party, accused current rulers of following British colonial policies, claiming they have three main demands from Kabul: recognition of the Durand Line, acceptance of Islamabad’s influence over Afghanistan’s foreign policy, and governance of Afghanistan’s central government under Pakistani directives.
Achakzai called the leaders “ignorant and incapable,” saying they lack the “art of coexistence.”Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Asif deemed talks with Kabul unsuccessful and described his country as being in a “state of war.” Nevertheless, hope for resuming dialogue persists; Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced yesterday that a high-level delegation from Turkey will visit Islamabad to mediate between the two nations.
