The Taliban government of Afghanistan has leveled serious accusations against Pakistan, claiming that it has infringed upon Kabul’s “sovereign territory” in what they describe as an “unprecedented, violent, and provocative act.” This allegation follows the occurrence of two loud explosions in the capital city late Thursday.
In a statement released on Friday, the Taliban’s Defence Ministry asserted that Pakistan had bombed a civilian market located in the southeastern province of Paktia, resulting in the destruction of several shops. Local residents confirmed the bombing to the BBC’s Afghan service, highlighting the impact on the community.
Pakistan’s response and ongoing tensions
Pakistan has not officially acknowledged or denied the claims regarding its military actions within Afghanistan. However, a senior military official, General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, stated during a press conference in Peshawar that Afghanistan has been utilized as a “base of operation for terrorism against Pakistan.” He emphasized that necessary measures would be taken to protect Pakistani lives and property.
The deteriorating relationship has been exacerbated by Pakistan’s long-held suspicions that the Afghan Taliban is harboring the Pakistan Taliban, known as the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The Taliban regime has consistently refuted these allegations.
Amidst the turmoil, rumors circulated that the blasts in Kabul could have been aimed at the TTP leader, Noor Wali Mehsud. In response to the speculation, the TTP released an unverified audio message from Mehsud, asserting that he was alive. Despite the conflicting reports, a correspondent from BBC Afghan noted that there were no visible signs of an explosion at the supposed blast sites; however, a significant Taliban presence and mobile checkpoints were observed in the area.
Calls for diplomacy
In light of the escalating tensions, the Taliban’s Defence Ministry cautioned that any further deterioration in the situation would hold the Pakistani army accountable for the consequences. Despite the confrontational rhetoric, the Taliban’s foreign minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, who is currently in India, expressed a desire to maintain amicable relations with Pakistan. “Pakistan should not repeat this mistake,” he told a group of Indian journalists. “Our issues can be solved by negotiation, not by war.”
“To safeguard Pakistani lives and properties, what measures need to be taken will be taken,” General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry added.