Kabul: Afghanistan’s acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi has strongly rejected Pakistan’s “unreasonable and unjustified demands,” saying the problems inside Pakistan are not Afghanistan’s responsibility. The statement comes amid rising diplomatic tensions between the two neighbours, which intensified after Islamabad’s recent accusations – accusing Kabul of not addressing border security concerns
Addressing a meeting of senior officials in Kabul, Muttaqi said Afghanistan is an independent and sovereign country, and it will not accept responsibility for the internal problems of any other country. “What is happening in Pakistan? It is their internal matter. It has nothing to do with us and we are not responsible for it.
Muttaqi’s remarks came after reports that Pakistani authorities have asked the Afghan government to take strict action against some armed groups that Islamabad claims are operating from Afghan soil. Kabul has repeatedly denied the allegations and made it clear that no group is allowed to use Afghanistan’s soil against any other country.
The Afghan Foreign Ministry once again reiterated its position that its policy is based on non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries, and it expects all its neighboring countries to abide by the same principle. The ministry statement said: “We seek constructive relations that are based on mutual respect, equality, and non-interference.
Analysts say Muttaqi’s latest comments reflect a growing resentment over Pakistan’s repeated blaming of Afghanistan. According to him, Pakistan’s internal security problems – especially the rise in extremism in certain areas – are primarily the result of Islamabad’s own policies and governance practices.
Tensions between the two countries have escalated in recent months, especially after incidents in border areas such as Spin Boldak and Turkham, where both sides have accused each other of violating agreements and provoking armed clashes, according to diplomatic observers.
Muttaqi stressed that Afghanistan is committed to maintaining peaceful and stable relations with all its neighbours, including Pakistan. However, he warned that baseless accusations or military provocations could damage bilateral relations. “We want good relations, but will not tolerate intransigence or interference.
Many political observers believe that Islamabad’s latest move is linked to internal political pressure and security concerns. According to him, blaming Afghanistan has become a common tactic for some Pakistani officials. to divert the attention of the people from national issues.
In response to Pakistan’s demands, Afghan officials have insisted on diplomatic talks rather than public accusations. He said that cooperation – not confrontation – is the key to regional peace and security. “Our policy is clear: Afghanistan wants stability in the region, but peace cannot be achieved through threats and blame game,” a senior Afghan diplomat said.
Muttaqi’s statement was widely shared in the Afghan media, where many analysts hailed it as a defense of national sovereignty and independence. Social media users also supported him, saying that Afghanistan should be treated equally, not made a scapegoat for the internal problems of others.
Experts warn that if the two countries do not exercise diplomacy and caution, the escalation of tensions could have a negative impact on cross-border trade, people-to-people contacts, and the long-term stability of the region.
