ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has strongly rejected as inaccurate a recent statement by a spokesperson of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, which alleged that Islamabad refused to accept a proposal related to individuals deemed security threats.
In a statement issued by the Foreign Office, Pakistan termed the claim “factually incorrect” and “misleading,” clarifying that during the recent Istanbul negotiations, its delegation had welcomed Afghanistan’s suggestion that individuals present in Afghanistan and considered security threats by Pakistan could be handed over through designated border check posts.
Pakistan further conveyed that if such individuals were identified as Pakistani nationals, they would be repatriated and dealt with in accordance with national laws.
However, the controversy arose when Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, told media that Pakistan had rejected the proposal.
Responding to this assertion, a Pakistani government spokesperson stated, “The claim that Pakistan rejected this proposal is wholly inaccurate. Our position has been clear throughout the negotiations: we remain open to cooperation on the matter.”
The spokesperson reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to constructive engagement with Afghanistan, emphasizing verifiable cooperation in counter-terrorism and border management to ensure regional stability and security.
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Background: Strained Ties Amid Border and Security Concerns
The ongoing talks between Pakistan and the Taliban-led government in Afghanistan have been marked by both collaboration and tension, particularly regarding cross-border militancy and security management.
Pakistan has repeatedly expressed concern over terrorist factions operating from Afghan territory, urging Kabul to take concrete measures to curb their activities.
Zabihullah Mujahid recently claimed that Afghanistan was ready to deport individuals considered threats to Pakistan if credible intelligence was provided. According to him, Pakistan instead insisted that the Afghan authorities should control such individuals within Afghan borders rather than deport them.
Mujahid further noted that Afghanistan prohibits migrants from carrying weapons, adding that any verifiable information shared by Pakistan would prompt swift action by Kabul.
He also made an indirect allegation suggesting that Pakistan’s recent actions might be aimed at creating favorable conditions for the potential return of US forces to Afghanistan, particularly to the Bagram Airbase — a claim that Pakistani officials have not addressed.