Mujahid blames Istanbul impasse on Pakistan attitude

KABUL (Pajhwok): The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) chief spokesman says ‘irresponsible and uncooperative’ attitude of the Pakistani delegation resulted in no outcome from the third round of negotiations in Istanbul, despite IEA’s goodwill and the mediators’ efforts.

The IEA once again thanked the Republic of Turkey and the State of Qatar — the two brotherly countries — for hosting and mediating the talks between Afghanistan and Pakistan in Istanbul, Zabihullah Mujahid, chief spokesman for IEA, wrote on his X handle.

He said the IEA representatives, by special directives of the supreme leader, participated in Istanbul talks in good faith and with appropriate authority on two consecutive days (November 6 and 7), hoping that this time the Pakistani side, after consultation with its leaders, would approach the issue seriously and constructively, with a responsible attitude and present realistic and implementable demands to reach a fundamental solution.

He added: “During the talks, the Pakistani side attempted to refer all responsibilities regarding its security to the Afghan government, while at the same time it did not demonstrate any willingness to assume responsibility for either Afghanistan’s security or its own.”

The Afghan government reiterates its principled position that it would not allow anyone to use Afghan territory against another country, nor will it permit any country to use its territory to take actions against or support actions that undermine Afghanistan’s national sovereignty, independence, or security.

Mujahid wrote that the Muslim people of Pakistan were brothers of Afghans, the IEA wished them well and hopes for peace, and will cooperate with them within the limits of its responsibilities and capabilities.

The defense of the people and land of Afghanistan was the Islamic and national duty of IEA and it would firmly defend against any aggression with the help of Allah and the support of its people, he concluded.

kk/ma