Pakistan’s military has strongly denied reports claiming it allowed the United States to use its soil or airspace for airstrikes in Afghanistan.
Kabul 24: Ahmad Sharif Chaudhry, the spokesperson for the Pakistan Army, described these reports as “baseless and false” during a press briefing with journalists.
The statement came in response to claims by Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, who alleged that U.S. drones were entering Afghanistan via Pakistan’s airspace.
Mujahid had urged Islamabad to prevent the use of its territory and airspace for operations against Afghanistan.Chaudhry further stated that Pakistani forces had eliminated 112 foreign militants over the past three to four months, underscoring Pakistan’s independent efforts in combating terrorism without any military cooperation with the U.S. This development highlights the ongoing complexities in the security and political relations between Kabul and Islamabad, which have faced new tensions since the withdrawal of foreign forces from Afghanistan in 2021.
Experts note that this rebuttal reflects Pakistan’s intent to assert its sovereignty in security matters and counter allegations of collaboration with the U.S. in the region. The strained ties, marked by border disputes and mutual accusations of supporting militant groups, continue to challenge bilateral relations.
