ISLAMABAD: Afghan Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid has triggered diplomatic uproar in Pakistan after alleging that “certain military elements” in Pakistan are working to undermine bilateral relations. Islamabad strongly rejected the claim as baseless and misleading, reaffirming that Pakistan’s Afghan policy reflects complete civil-military consensus and not any internal division.

According to Pakistani officials, both the government and the military share the same objective, which is regional peace based on mutual respect and counterterrorism cooperation. However, they stress that peace depends on Afghanistan preventing its soil from being used by Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), and other terrorist groups.

Trade and Border Closures:

In an interview with Khyber TV on October 31, Zabihullah Mujahid complained that temporary border closures at Torkham and Chaman have damaged bilateral trade and livelihoods, saying, “Trade should not fall victim to politics.”

However, Pakistani government sources told Hindukush Tribune Network that the closures were purely security-driven, not politically motivated.
Security alerts at Torkham, Ghulam Khan, and Chaman forced temporary restrictions to curb smuggling, illegal movement, and terrorist infiltration.

Cross-Border Attacks on the Rise

Data shows that since 2021, over 1,000 cross-border attacks have been launched from Afghan soil into Pakistan. Pakistani forces have foiled several TTP and ISIS-Khorasan operations, including a recent infiltration attempt in Bajaur’s Mamund area, where commander Qari Amjad was killed along with three associates. This incident coincided with ongoing peace talks in Istanbul between Islamabad and the Taliban, highlighting the fragile security environment.

Trade, Water Disputes, and Strategic Tensions

Despite repeated provocations, Pakistan remains Afghanistan’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade surpassing $1.6 billion in FY 2024–25. Officials maintain that regulated border management ensures lawful trade and reduces smuggling.

However, a new flashpoint has emerged in the Kunar River Dam project.
Mujahid claims Afghanistan has a sovereign right to utilize its natural resources, while Pakistan insists that Kabul must ensure transparency and compliance with international water agreements, given the river’s importance for Pakistan’s agriculture and water security.

Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif warned Kabul not to overlook Pakistan’s water rights, stating: “Islamabad has multiple levers of pressure, and the Taliban won’t be able to execute even a fraction of what they’re planning.”

The “Imran Khan Era” Claim and the Reality Check

Mujahid also described former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s tenure as a period of “friendly and constructive ties.” But Pakistani officials refute this, calling it a selective narrative.
They argue that during 2021–22, the Taliban exploited Pakistan’s goodwill to consolidate power, while simultaneously allowing TTP networks to regroup inside Afghanistan.

A 2023 UN Monitoring Report corroborates Pakistan’s position, revealing that TTP attacks rose from 573 in 2021 to 1,203 in 2023, with the Taliban’s General Directorate of Intelligence (GDI) providing safe havens, travel permits, and arms licenses to TTP leaders.

Pakistani officials assert that what Mujahid calls “cooperation” was merely Pakistan’s diplomatic restraint, not genuine reciprocity. Islamabad continues to demand written and verifiable assurances from Kabul that Afghan territory will not be used against Pakistan.

Negotiations and the Road Ahead

Ongoing Pakistan–Afghanistan talks mediated by Turkey and Qatar emphasize one consistent message from Islamabad: “Peace is possible only through verifiable actions, not words.” Said a senior Pakistani official involved in the talks.

With cross-border militancy, trade disruptions, and water disputes intensifying, the future of Pakistan–Taliban relations hinges on Kabul’s willingness to act beyond rhetoric and enforce control over anti-Pakistan elements.