Kabul: Amid rising tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi has emphasized the country’s desire for peaceful coexistence but warned that Afghanistan will not hesitate to defend its sovereignty in the face of aggression.
Speaking on the ongoing border conflict, Muttaqi noted that while the broader Pakistani population and leadership favor peaceful relations, certain elements within Pakistan are actively working to destabilize the situation.
“The majority in Pakistan, including many in power, wish to maintain harmony with Afghanistan,” Muttaqi said. “However, a few factions are attempting to worsen the situation. We are responding where necessary and have successfully defended our positions.”
The comments come just days after Afghan armed forces launched retaliatory strikes against Pakistani military installations along the Durand Line, following alleged airspace violations and cross-border attacks.
Regional Mediation Efforts Acknowledged
Muttaqi confirmed that Qatar and Saudi Arabia had intervened diplomatically, requesting Afghanistan to hold back its military response.
“Qatar and Saudi Arabia urged us to halt operations, and we respected their request. Since then, the situation has remained stable,” he added.
He stressed Afghanistan’s commitment to peace and dialogue, asserting that the country has achieved internal stability and is seeking the same in its regional relations.
“We want peaceful resolutions to disputes through talks. But if dialogue fails, Afghanistan is fully capable of defending its borders,” the minister asserted. “Here, it is not just the army — it is the people, the government, and our forces together who guard the nation’s frontiers.”
Firm Message to Dissenting Voices
While expressing appreciation for mediation efforts by Gulf nations, Muttaqi cautioned that if other parties are unwilling to engage constructively, Afghanistan has “other means” to protect its interests.
“We’ve made our position clear to our regional partners,” he said. “But if anyone refuses to accept the path of dialogue, Afghanistan knows how to respond.”
The recent exchange of military actions has stirred international concern, with diplomatic actors urging restraint on both sides. However, Afghanistan’s messaging continues to blend a call for peace with a strong warning against further provocations.
The Durand Line remains a contentious border between the two nations, with periodic skirmishes and conflicting territorial claims contributing to ongoing instability in the region. Observers say diplomatic efforts must be intensified to prevent a broader conflict.
