KABUL: Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid has said that Afghanistan wants to continue dialogue and cooperation with Pakistan, expressing hope that outstanding issues between the two neighbouring countries can be resolved through engagement.
Speaking to Al Arabiya, Mujahid welcomed efforts by Saudi Arabia and other countries to help ease differences between Islamabad and Kabul, saying Riyadh could play a positive role in the process.
“Saudi Arabia can play a positive role in this matter,” he said, adding that Kabul hoped such efforts would help the two sides find a way forward.
Mujahid also said Afghans hold Saudi Arabia and the two Holy Mosques in high regard, reflecting what he described as the strong respect and affection for the kingdom among the Afghan people.
He reiterated Kabul’s willingness to maintain engagement with Pakistan and said Afghanistan respected Saudi Arabia’s efforts to facilitate dialogue between the two countries.
Pakistan Seeks End to Cross-Border Militancy
Mujahid’s remarks came days after Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry told Al Arabiya that Pakistan wanted an end to terrorism and interference emanating from Afghan territory.
Chaudhry alleged that terrorist groups were using Afghan territory for recruitment, training, arming and planning attacks against Pakistan and other countries in the region. He said Pakistan reserved its right to self-defence under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter and would continue taking measures to protect its citizens.
Pakistan has repeatedly raised concerns over militant groups operating from Afghanistan, particularly the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Islamabad maintains that Afghan territory is being used to plan attacks inside Pakistan, while the Taliban authorities have rejected the allegations.
Differences Remain Between Islamabad and Kabul
Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have remained strained over cross-border militancy and security concerns since the Taliban returned to power in 2021.
Islamabad has called on Kabul to prevent its territory from being used for attacks against Pakistan, while the Taliban administration maintains that Afghan soil is not being allowed to be used against other countries.
The two sides have held multiple rounds of talks and diplomatic contacts, but security-related disagreements remain a major point of contention. Mujahid has now indicated Kabul’s willingness to continue dialogue, while Pakistan continues to press for concrete action against militant groups it says are operating from Afghan territory.
