*Islamabad – August 17, 2025* – Former U.S. envoy to Afghanistan, *ZalmayKhalilzad*, has criticized Pakistan’s decision to host a gathering ofAfghan exiles opposed to the Taliban government, warning that the movecould further damage already strained relations between Islamabad and Kabul.
According to reports, Pakistan will host the two-day meeting of Afghanopposition figures on *August 25 and 26*, with some participants allegedlysupporting the violent overthrow of the Taliban authorities.
In a statement, Khalilzad described the decision as “immature” and “hugelyunwise,” arguing that such a step amounts to provocation at a time whenboth countries face an “enormous deficit of trust and cooperation.”
“Afghan citizens are entitled to their political views, but Pakistan’sseeming support for them by hosting this conference is a mistake. I wouldsay the same if the Taliban were hosting Pakistanis seeking to topple theirmilitary-dominated government,” Khalilzad said.
He further cautioned that instead of fostering dialogue and stability inthe region, Islamabad’s move “can only achieve the opposite.”
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Relations between Afghanistan’s Taliban-led government and Pakistan haveremained tense since the Taliban takeover in 2021, with disputes overmilitancy, border management, and political recognition continuing tostrain bilateral ties.
The upcoming conference in Pakistan is expected to draw widespread regionaland international attention, potentially igniting fresh debate overIslamabad’s role in Afghanistan’s internal affairs.