imate RightActing Foreign Minister of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, Amir Khan Muttaqi, strongly condemned Pakistan’s military incursions into Afghan territory during a meeting in Kabul with foreign diplomats, United Nations representatives, European Union officials, and various international organizations.
Kabul 24: In his address, Muttaqi reiterated the Islamic Emirate’s commitment to resolving disputes through dialogue, mutual understanding, and respect. However, he firmly asserted that defending Afghanistan’s sovereignty against any form of aggression remains an undeniable and legitimate right of the nation.“We are confronted with an imposed war,” Muttaqi stated. “Our defensive operations are conducted with utmost caution and precision, targeting only military sites from which actions are launched against Afghanistan.
These responses are directly proportionate to the provocations we face.”Muttaqi accused Pakistan of using the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) as a pretext to justify its attacks on Afghan soil.
He criticized Pakistani generals for destabilizing the region instead of addressing their country’s internal challenges and conflicts.
The minister also highlighted broader grievances, including the harsh treatment and mass expulsions of Afghan migrants from Pakistan, restrictions on trade and transit routes, and what he described as baseless propaganda campaigns against Afghanistan in international forums.“Pakistan’s military regime relies on flawed logic, believing pressure can force compliance with its demands,” Muttaqi added. “They have ruthlessly deported Afghan refugees, blocked trade corridors, violated our sovereignty, and spread unfounded accusations globally. We urge them to reconsider their approach and calculations.”The escalating border clashes, now in their second week as of early March 2026, have displaced nearly 66,000 Afghans in eastern and southeastern provinces, according to UN reports.
Heavy artillery, airstrikes, and cross-border firing have caused civilian casualties and damaged infrastructure on both sides.The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) in Afghanistan expressed deep concern over the ongoing violence.
Robert Enzikowa, NRC’s head in the country, reported assessing needs in affected areas and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities.“Following recent escalations between Afghanistan and Pakistan, displacement has surged inside Afghanistan,” Enzikowa said. “We were on the ground yesterday evaluating humanitarian needs. We strongly urge both Kabul and Islamabad to end these clashes.
Civilians must not bear the brunt of this conflict.”Muttaqi also voiced alarm over wider regional instability, pointing to recent attacks on Iran and rising tensions between Iran and certain Gulf states as threats to overall security in the Middle East and beyond.
Amid international mediation efforts—including discussions with Chinese, Russian, and Iranian officials—the Afghan foreign minister emphasized the need for peaceful resolutions while maintaining readiness to protect national interests.
The situation underscores the fragile state of Afghanistan-Pakistan relations, with humanitarian organizations warning of worsening conditions for vulnerable populations caught in the crossfire.
