Pakistan Announces Suspension of Ties
Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have risen after successive skirmishes along their common border. Pakistan's Defense Minister, Khawaja Asif, asserted that his nation has made the decision to suspend all relations with Afghanistan. Addressing a news agency function, Asif remarked that the situation provides no scope for dialogue or cooperation between the two parties.
He clarified that at present, there is no open enmity, although relations are tense. "As of today, there are no direct or indirect relations with Afghanistan," he stated. According to Asif, any talk in the future would be based on a shift in Afghanistan's strategy and behavior regarding security threats.
Defense Minister Defends Military Actions
Khawaja Asif rationalized Pakistan's recent military action, stating that responding to attacks is a natural reaction. He emphasized that the operations were not against civilians or housing areas but were executed against militant hideouts. Asif blamed Afghanistan for giving sanctuaries to different terror groups and asserted that the presence of international terror in Afghanistan is a known fact.
When asked about Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) chief Noor Wali Mohsud, Asif stated that the target was within Afghan territory. He also stressed that there must be honesty and transparency in future diplomatic initiatives.
Afghanistan Responds to Pakistan's Remarks
Afghanistan's Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi reacted to Pakistan's comments, stating that Afghanistan has good relations with all neighboring nations but Pakistan. He added that peace and stability are present in Afghanistan and emphasized that his government is not looking for conflict with any country. "Pakistan isn't the only neighbor; we have five others, and all are content with us," Muttaqi said.
Javed Akhtar Criticizes India's Welcome of Afghan Minister
Indian author and lyricist Javed Akhtar shared his disappointment with the recent visit of the Afghan Foreign Minister to India. On social networking site X, Akhtar stated that he is ashamed that India decided to give a warm welcome to an official from a government that banned girls' education. He referred to the act as "deeply shameful."
