ISLAMABAD:
The Taliban regime should not allow its territory to be used for terrorist purposes against other countries and should focus on forming an inclusive and truly representative government, instead of engaging in baseless propaganda, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Monday.
In a statement, he said: “We have taken note of the recent statements made by the spokesperson of the Taliban regime regarding the internal affairs of Pakistan.”
“We strongly encourage the Afghan spokesperson to prioritize issues relevant to Afghanistan and refrain from commenting on matters beyond his jurisdiction,” he said, adding, “The principle of non-interference in the affairs of other countries should be respected in accordance with international diplomatic norms. Pakistan does not need external advice on its internal affairs.”
He said: “We also expect the Taliban regime to respect its obligations and the promises made to the international community during the Doha process.”
Calls for restraint
These clashes have attracted the attention of US President Donald Trump, who said he would focus on them soon. “I heard there’s a war going on between Pakistan and Afghanistan right now,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One as he flew from Washington to Israel on Sunday as part of his efforts to end the war in Gaza.
“I said, I’m going to have to wait until I get back. You know, I’m doing another one, because I’m good at solving wars, I’m good at making peace,” Trump said.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday expressed concern over weekend border clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan and urged the two neighboring countries to resolve their differences peacefully.
“We are following the situation between Afghanistan and Pakistan with concern,” UN deputy spokesperson Farhan Aziz Haq said in response to a question at the regular midday briefing at UN headquarters in New York.
“We want to ensure that the two countries are able to resolve their differences peacefully and that further clashes are avoided,” added Farhan Haq.
When asked if the UN chief had contacted the leaders of the two countries, Farhan Haq said he was traveling and was currently in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, to attend the Gaza Peace Summit, and would do so upon his return to New York.
China
China said it was very concerned by the latest clashes. “China is willing to continue to play a constructive role in the improvement and development of relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said at a regular press briefing in Beijing on Monday.
Russia
Russia is following reports of border clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan with concern and has called on Kabul and Islamabad to show restraint, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Monday.
“According to the information received, the situation is stabilizing. We welcome this process,” he added in a statement.
(With additional input from agencies)
