Afghanistan rejects Pakistan’s allegations linking India to regional tensions, calls it ‘illogical’

Afghanistan’s Defence Minister, Mullah Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid, has strongly refuted Pakistan’s accusations that India is behind rising tensions in the region. In a recent interview, Mujahid dismissed the claims as “baseless, unfounded, illogical, and unacceptable,” stressing that Afghanistan does not allow its territory to be used against any other nation.

According to an Al Jazeera report, clarifying Kabul’s position, Mujahid stated that the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan is committed to maintaining peaceful and cooperative relations with all its neighbors, including Pakistan. “Our policy will never involve using our land against another country,” he said.

He further emphasised that Afghanistan conducts its foreign relations independently and will continue to develop its relationship with India based on national interests. “We maintain relations with India as an independent nation and will strengthen those ties within the framework of our national interests,” he added.

Mujahid reiterated that Kabul seeks regional stability, not conflict, and urged all parties to focus on dialogue and cooperation rather than blame.

Clarifying Afghanistan’s independent stance

Mullah Yaqoob stated that Afghanistan maintains independent relations with India based on national interests and will continue to do so while also fostering good neighbourly relations with Pakistan. “Our goal is to expand relations, not create tensions,” he said, dismissing Pakistan’s claims as unfounded, impractical, and unacceptable.

He stressed the importance of mutual respect and neighbourly principles between Afghanistan and Pakistan, noting that tensions between the two neighbouring countries serve no one’s interests.

Upcoming meeting on Doha agreement implementation

The defence minister announced that the next meeting to review the progress of the Doha Agreement between Afghanistan and Pakistan would take place in Turkey. The meeting will focus on implementing the agreement and discussing mechanisms for monitoring its enforcement. Mujahid urged all parties to honour every provision of the agreement.

Kabul remains fully committed to the terms of the agreement, he said, warning that failure by Pakistan to meet its responsibilities could lead to problems. Mujahid also called on mediator countries like Turkey and Qatar to assist in facilitating the implementation of the agreement between Islamabad and Kabul.

Afghan resolve to defend their homeland

Mujahid declared that if any country attacks Afghanistan, the Afghan people will bravely defend their nation. He highlighted Afghanistan’s history of standing firm to protect its homeland.

No support for armed groups against Pakistan

The defence minister further criticised Pakistan’s labeling of its political opponents as “terrorists,” pointing out that the term lacks a clear, universally accepted definition. He emphasised that the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan does not support armed groups against any country, including Pakistan.