Pakistan has expressed strong displeasure after the Taliban officially backed India’s sovereignty over Jammu & Kashmir (J&K), escalating tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan following recent border clashes.
The controversy stems from a joint statement issued after a meeting between Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, in which both nations reaffirmed mutual respect for each other’s territorial integrity.
Taliban Supports India, Pakistan Objects
The joint statement explicitly recognized Jammu & Kashmir as part of India, prompting Pakistan to lodge a formal protest with Afghanistan. Islamabad claims the mention violates UN Security Council resolutions and undermines the legal status of J&K.
New Delhi, however, stated that the statement reinforces India’s position as a contiguous neighbor of Afghanistan, given the 106-km Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) border with Afghanistan.
“As a neighbor and friend to the Afghan people, India has a deep interest in Afghanistan’s development and stability,” said Jaishankar during the meeting.
Pakistan Summons Afghan Ambassador
Reacting to the joint statement, Pakistan summoned the Afghan ambassador to Islamabad, calling the mention of J&K “highly insensitive.”
President Asif Ali Zardari criticized the Taliban, saying they have ignored the aspirations of the Kashmiri people and committed injustice to history and the Muslim Ummah.
Muttaqi Warns Pakistan Amid Border Clashes
During a press conference at the Afghan Embassy, Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi accused “certain elements” in Pakistan of provoking conflicts along the border.
He warned that if Pakistan refuses peace, Afghanistan has other options to safeguard its national interest.
Muttaqi clarified that the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) no longer has a presence in Afghanistan and praised the peace-loving majority of Pakistanis.
“Afghanistan will protect its borders and respond to aggression. We achieved our military objectives during the recent clashes and have temporarily paused operations,” he said.
“We seek good relations and peace, but if Pakistan does not cooperate, Afghanistan has alternative measures available.”
On TTP Allegations
Addressing Pakistan’s claims that the Taliban shelters the TTP, Muttaqi said the 2,400-km border cannot be fully controlled by any force, past or present.
“Strength alone cannot maintain control. Pakistan has a larger army and better intelligence — they should handle internal problems instead of blaming Afghanistan,” said Muttaqi.
Key Highlights
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Taliban backs India’s sovereignty over J&K, angering Pakistan
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Pakistan lodges formal protest, calls statement “insensitive”
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Jaishankar and Muttaqi reaffirm mutual respect for territorial integrity
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Recent Afghanistan-Pakistan clashes controlled after Taliban retaliation
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Afghanistan warns of alternative measures if Pakistan refuses peace
