Afghanistan rebuffs Pakistan’s ‘proxy’ claims as ‘unfounded and illogical’ – Firstpost

Afghanistan’s Defence Minister Mawlawi Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid has dismissed Pakistan’s “unjust” accusations linking India to recent clashes between Kabul and Islamabad, calling them “unfounded, illogical, and unacceptable.”

Speaking to Al Jazeera, Mujahid said Kabul conducts its foreign policy independently and will continue to strengthen relations with India based on national interests. “These accusations are groundless. Our policy will never involve using our territory against other countries. We maintain relations with India as an independent nation and will strengthen those ties within the framework of our national interests,” he said.

On Afghanistan’s ties with Pakistan, Mujahid said Kabul seeks relations built on mutual respect, trade, and good neighbourliness. “Afghanistan and Pakistan are neighbouring countries. Tensions between them serve no one. Their relationship should be founded on mutual respect and good neighbourly principles,” he added.

Referring to the Doha agreement, Mujahid said a meeting in Turkey would focus on its implementation and monitoring, warning that any non-compliance by Pakistan could create issues. He urged mediating nations like Türkiye and Qatar to ensure the pact’s adherence.

He reiterated that Afghanistan’s policy is not to support armed groups against any country, including Pakistan, but stressed that Afghans would “bravely” defend their homeland if attacked.

Tensions between Kabul and Islamabad have escalated since the Taliban’s return to power, with recent border clashes leaving dozens dead. Pakistan has accused the Taliban of sheltering the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which has carried out a series of deadly attacks on its security forces—allegations firmly rejected by Kabul.

Pakistan itself has long been accused of harbouring and supporting terrorist groups as a tool of state policy. Organisations such as Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba have received backing and safe havens within its territory.

In October alone, over 100 Pakistani security personnel were reportedly killed in attacks that Islamabad claims were launched from Afghan soil.

In what Kabul called an “unjust move,” Pakistan has shifted the blame for its internal security failures onto Afghan migrants, deporting large numbers while accusing them of involvement in crime and unrest. Islamabad has also alleged Indian support for the TTP—claims New Delhi has rejected, saying Pakistan routinely blames its neighbours for its internal problems.