“If Pakistan does not want peace, Afghanistan has other options as well”: Afghan Foreign Minister Muttaqi
Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi has issued a stark warning to Pakistan, stating that Kabul has “other options” if Islamabad does not seek peace, amid ongoing border clashes that have resulted in the deaths of over 50 Pakistani soldiers and the capture of 19 Afghan border posts by Pakistan, reports 24brussels.
The recent violence escalated following Pakistani air strikes on the Afghan capital on Thursday, which sparked angry retaliatory actions from Kabul. Afghan officials reported the deaths of 58 Pakistani soldiers in counteroffensives, while Pakistan claims to have lost 23. Amidst this turmoil, key border crossings between the two nations have been shut down.
Muttaqi emphasized that Afghanistan bears no ill will towards Pakistani civilians and highlighted that only a “few elements” within Pakistan are exacerbating tensions. He stated, “The people of Pakistan, in the majority, are peace-loving and want good relations with Afghanistan.”
In a firm assertion of Afghanistan’s military capabilities, he declared that the nation successfully achieved its military objectives against Pakistani escalations. “Afghanistan will safeguard its borders and its national interest, and that is why it immediately retaliated to the escalation from Pakistan,” he said.
Muttaqi further mentioned that Afghanistan is open to maintaining peace and invites Pakistan to collaborate in this endeavor rather than risking lives to accommodate isolated groups. He criticized Pakistan’s current approach, urging them to resolve internal issues and seek a peaceful resolution instead of directing blame towards Kabul.
Addressing regional security dynamics, he dismissed the notion of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) finding refuge in Afghanistan, blaming military operations in tribal areas for the recent displacement of people. “There is no presence of TTP in Afghanistan now,” he affirmed.
As tensions remain high, Muttaqi called for strategic dialogue and a cessation of hostilities, framing Afghanistan’s recent actions as necessary measures for national security. He reiterated that 40 years of conflict have united the Afghan people against any external interference. “If Pakistan doesn’t want good relations and peace, then Afghanistan has other options as well,” he concluded.
