Islamabad: We will strike deep into Afghan territory / Taliban: We will not be drawn into India-Pakistan conflicts

Pars Today – Pakistan’s Defense Minister, in remarks, threatened Afghanistan and stated that Islamabad would, if necessary, strike deep into the country’s territory in response to any violation of its sovereignty.

According to Pars Today, as the United Nations expressed concern over the failure of talks between Kabul and Islamabad, Khwaja Muhammad Asif, Pakistan’s Defense Minister, said on Wednesday: "If our borders are violated or attacked, we will retaliate. And if we find it necessary to strike inside Afghan territory, we will do so."

These serial threatening statements from Pakistan’s Defense Minister against the Afghan Taliban come as negotiations between the two countries in Istanbul, Turkey, have failed. Reports indicate the Pakistani delegation is making efforts to return to their country. Other Pakistani sources say the Afghan Taliban delegation remains in Istanbul, and efforts are being made, despite the recent failure, to hold another round of talks with the involvement of mediators.

Pakistan’s Defense Minister, who had previously accused India of interfering to sabotage the talks with the Afghan Taliban, further added: "Our work with the Taliban delegation concluded on Wednesday, and it became clear to the mediators that the Taliban are not acting in good faith."

Afghan Taliban: The country will not be drawn into extra-regional wars between India and Pakistan

Meanwhile, Abdul Matin Qane, the spokesperson for the Interior Ministry of the Afghan Taliban government, emphasized that Afghanistan will not be drawn into wars between India and Pakistan, and the country’s soil will not be used for extra-regional purposes either.

Abdul Matin Qane stated that the official policy of the Taliban government is based on dialogue and diplomacy, and no country has the right to use Afghan soil to attack neighboring countries.

In response to Pakistan's allegations about Afghanistan supporting the Pakistani Taliban (Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan), Qane said: "This claim is completely false and propagandistic. Over the past four years, Afghan soil has not been used against any other country, and we are striving to build positive relations with all neighbors and global powers."