Pak-Afghan tensions: Pakistan formally refutes Zabihullah Mujahid’s claims on security threats

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has formally rejected as inaccurate a statement made a spokesperson of Afghanistan regarding an alleged refusal by Pakistan to accept a proposal concerning individuals considered security threats. The Pakistani government strongly refuted the claim, calling it “factually incorrect” and “misleading.”

The controversy stems from discussions held during the Istanbul negotiations. Pakistan’s Foreign Office said that, the Pakistani delegation had welcomed the suggestion that any persons present in Afghanistan whom Pakistan regards as security threats could be handed over through designated border check posts. Pakistan also conveyed that if such individuals were found to be Pakistani nationals, they would be taken back and dealt with in accordance with national laws.

Later, however, a spokesperson of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan said that Pakistan had refused to accept this proposal. In response, a Pakistan government spokesperson has clarifed, “The assertion that Pakistan rejected this proposal is wholly inaccurate. Our position has been clear throughout the negotiations: we remain open to cooperation on the matter.”

Pakistan remains committed to constructive engagement with the Islamic Emirate and continues to emphasise verifiable cooperation on counter-terrorism, and border management for the stability and security of both countries.

BACKGROUND

The ongoing discussions between Pakistan and the Taliban-led government in Afghanistan have been marked by both cooperation and contentious issues, particularly surrounding border security and the presence of militant groups. Pakistan has long raised concerns over terrorist factions operating from Afghan soil and has called for more effective measures to address these threats.

The recent strain comes from Zabihullah Mujahid, who said that the Pakistani delegation was informed of the Afghanistan’s willingness to deport individuals whom Pakistan considers security threats, adding that Pakistan ultimately rejected this offer.

Zabihullah Mujahid told media that Afghanistan was prepared to take action against any individuals deemed a threat to Pakistan, provided that credible information was shared. However, according to Mujahid, Pakistan insisted that the Afghan government should simply “rein in” these individuals within Afghanistan, rather than facilitating their deportation.

He added that Afghanistan’s policy prohibits migrants from carrying weapons, further asserting that if Pakistan could provide verifiable intelligence on potential threats, the Afghan government would act swiftly and appropriately.

The spokesperson also made an indirect allegation that Pakistan’s recent activities could be signaling an effort to create favorable conditions for the possible return of US forces to Afghanistan, particularly to the Bagram Airbase.