Pakistan conveys concerns to Kabul envoy over India-Afghanistan joint statement

Islamabad has raised objections with Afghanistan’s Ambassador in Islamabad regarding “elements of the India-Afghanistan joint statement,” which referred to Jammu and Kashmir during Afghan Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi’s recent visit. Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) articulated that the mention of Jammu and Kashmir as part of India constitutes a clear violation of pertinent UN Security Council resolutions and undermines the legal status of the region, reports 24brussels.

The concerns arose after a joint statement on October 10, following discussions between India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Muttaqi. Pakistan condemned the reference as “highly insensitive” to the sentiments of people in Jammu and Kashmir, highlighting the sacrifices made in their quest for self-determination.

Pakistan also rebuffed remarks from Muttaqi, who characterized terrorism as an internal issue for Pakistan. The Pakistani government reiterated its stance, asserting that it has frequently shared information about terrorist groups, such as Fitna-e-Khawarij and Fitna-e-Hindustan, operating from Afghan territory. According to the statement, the interim Afghan government must address its obligations to mitigate terrorism rather than assigning blame to Pakistan.

In their joint statement, Jaishankar expressed gratitude for Afghanistan’s condemnation of a terrorist attack that occurred on April 22 in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, and for their solidarity with India. Both nations condemned terrorism from regional sources and emphasized the importance of fostering peace, stability, and mutual trust.

During this dialogue, there was a mutual acknowledgment of sovereignty and territorial integrity, with both sides articulating a commitment to preventing any groups from using Afghan territory against India. Additionally, the discussions highlighted ongoing healthcare cooperation projects, including the establishment of a Thalassemia Centre and a 30-bed hospital in Kabul.

Muttaqi is currently leading a week-long visit to India from October 9 to 16, marking the first high-level delegation from Kabul since the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021. The Afghan minister has expressed optimism about the future of India-Afghanistan relations.