Pakistan FO strongly reacts at statements of top Afghan Taliban officials
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Pakistan has expressed its deep concerns regarding Afghanistan's recent actions on its territory, asserting that these actions have infringed upon its sovereignty and subsequently led to the temporary closure of the Torkham border. This border crossing plays a crucial role as a major transit point for travelers and goods between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
The Foreign Office of Pakistan issued a statement on this matter, which was delivered by the Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch.
In response to the Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs' statements, which included what Pakistan deemed "irrelevant comments" about its economy and foreign trade, Baloch expressed surprise and emphasized that the interim Afghan authorities are well aware of the reasons behind the border closure at Torkham. Pakistan's position is firmly rooted in its sovereignty, and it cannot tolerate the construction of any structures by the interim Afghan government within its territory.
The situation escalated on September 6 when Afghan troops, instead of pursuing peaceful resolution, engaged in indiscriminate firing that targeted Pakistani military posts and inflicted damage upon the infrastructure at the Torkham Border Terminal. This hostile action put the lives of both Pakistani and Afghan civilians at risk as they attempted to prevent the erection of unauthorized structures.
Pakistan strongly condemns such unprovoked and indiscriminate firing, as it not only jeopardizes lives but also bolsters terrorist elements that find refuge within Afghanistan, as indicated by the UN Security Council's Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team's latest report.
Despite these tensions, Pakistan continues to express its desire for a peaceful and amicable border relationship with Afghanistan. The nation remains committed to fostering an environment of peace and cooperation between the two neighboring countries, with the hope that dialogue and diplomacy will ultimately prevail
