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Afghan FM Accuses Pakistani Generals of Risking Regional Security

Afghanistan's Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi has accused Pakistan's military leadership of endangering regional security by choosing confrontation over dialogue. He rejected Pakistani claims that militant groups operating from Afghanistan are behind attacks in Pakistan, stating the TTP predates the Taliban's rule. The accusations come amid escalating border clashes, including retaliatory strikes and a Pakistani operation dubbed 'Righteous Fury'. A recent Pakistani strike reportedly caused a major fire at the Torkham border market, destroying over 150 shops and causing massive economic damage.

Key Points: Afghan FM: Pakistani Generals Risk Regional Security

  • Accusations against Pakistani military
  • Border clashes and operations
  • TTP's origins disputed
  • Expulsion of Afghan migrants
  • Major fire at Torkham market
3 min read

Pakistani Generals have put security of entire region at risk: Afghan Foreign Minister

Afghanistan's Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi accuses Pakistani military leadership of endangering the region and details border clashes.

"Instead of addressing their internal challenges, Pakistani Generals have put the security of the entire region at risk. - Amir Khan Muttaqi"

Kabul, March 9

Afghanistan's Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi has accused the Pakistani Army Generals of putting the security of whole region at risk instead of resolving the country's internal issues, local media reported on Monday.

Muttaqi, during an iftar gathering for ambassadors of various nations in Kabul, said that Pakistan's military leadership is in conflict with the country's lawmakers, religious leaders and its people and is trying to resolve issues through confrontation and pressure rather than holding talks. He stressed that such pressure would only bolster resistance.

"Instead of addressing their internal challenges, Pakistani Generals have put the security of the entire region at risk," he mentioned.

Muttaqi also said that Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) is not a new phenomenon and the group started operating years before Taliban took control of power in Afghanistan, Afghanistan-based Ariana News reported.

His remarks come at a time when Pakistani officials have repeatedly claimed that groups operating in Afghanistan, especially TTP, have been involved in attacks happening inside Pakistan. However, Taliban has rejected claims made by Islamabad.

Muttaqi accused Pakistan of "very ruthlessly" expelling Afghan migrants, blocking trade routes, violating sovereignty of Afghanistan and engaging in propaganda against Afghanistan at international forums. He emphasised that people of Afghanistan have not surrendered to pressure in the past and will not hesitate to make sacrifice for the freedom of their country, Ariana News reported.

The current round of hostilities began when Taliban-led Afghan forces launched retaliatory operations against Pakistani military installations on February 27, following Pakistan's actions targeting areas inside Afghan territory on February 21. Following Afghanistan's attacks, Pakistan launched 'Operation Ghazab lil-Haq' (Righteous Fury) in response to what it described as "unprovoked firing" by the Afghan forces across multiple border sectors.

On Sunday, a fire erupted at a commercial market in Torkham area of Afghanistan following a massive strike by Pakistani forces, causing damage to businesses and property.

Torkham Mayor Mawlawi Abdullah Mustafa said that several shells were fired towards the town at around 4 am (local time) on Sunday, which struck near a commercial market area, Afghanistan's Khaama Press reported, citing Bakhtawar News Agency.

The firing caused a fire that quickly spread through several shops, forcing firefighters and residents to work together to control the flames.

Officials said four fire trucks municipal water tankers and local volunteers had been deployed to control the fire, however, the fire had not yet been fully brought under control.

So far, over 150 shops have been destroyed in the fire, with estimated economic loss reaching nearly 300 million Afghanistan, according to the owner of the market complex.

The ongoing confrontation underscores the deepening instability along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, where clashes and casualty claims continue to strain ties between two nations.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The human cost is heartbreaking. Over 150 shops destroyed? That's livelihoods gone for so many Afghan families. The focus should be on de-escalation and protecting civilians, not on tit-for-tat strikes. The regional powers need to step in for dialogue.
R
Rohit P
Muttaqi has a point. Pakistan's establishment has always preferred confrontation over dialogue, whether it's with India or now with Afghanistan. They create problems and then blame others. Karma is catching up. 🤷‍♂️
P
Priya S
While the Afghan FM's criticism of Pakistan's generals might be valid, we must also remember the Taliban's own record. It's a bit rich coming from them. The whole region suffers when state and non-state actors use violence as the first resort.
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Aman W
The economic loss is staggering - 300 million Afghanis. This conflict is destroying the common person's life while the powerful make statements. India should offer humanitarian aid to those affected in the border areas, regardless of politics.
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Nikhil C
The chickens have come home to roost for Pakistan. They nurtured these groups for decades to use against Afghanistan and India. Now the same monster is biting them. The whole region is paying the price for their shortsighted policies.

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