New Delhi: Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Aamir Khan Muttaki on Sunday said that Afghanistan wants a peaceful solution to its conflict with Pakistan, but if these efforts are not successful, it has other options.
Muttaki’s remarks at a media briefing at the Afghan embassy came amid rising tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Pakistan carried out airstrikes in Kabul on Thursday, which led to clashes between the two sides. Muttaki said the situation is now under control.
“The Afghan foreign minister said, “”The majority of Pakistan’s people are peace-loving and want good relations with Afghanistan.” We have no problem with Pakistani citizens. Some elements are creating tension in Pakistan. “AFGHANISTAN WILL DEFEND ITS BORDERS AND ITS NATIONAL INTERESTS, AND THAT IS WHY IT IMMEDIATELY RESPONDED TO THE VIOLENCE ON THE PART OF PAKISTAN,”” HE SAID.” We achieved our military targets last night, and our friends Qatar and Saudi Arabia have also said that this conflict must be over, so we have stopped it for now. “The situation is now under control,”” Muttaki said.” We just want good relations and peace… When someone tries to interfere in our internal affairs, all citizens, heads of government, ulema and all religious leaders unite to fight in the interest of the country. Afghanistan has been in conflict for 40 years. Afghanistan has finally become independent and is working for peace. If Pakistan does not want good relations and peace, Afghanistan has other options as well.
“The Afghan foreign minister said, “”There is no longer a TTP presence in Afghanistan.” Even before we returned to Kabul, the Pakistani army had carried out operations in the tribal areas, displacing a large number of people. The U.S. military and the former US-backed government had given them asylum on Afghan soil. They are Pakistanis from displaced areas and are allowed to live in the country as refugees.
He said the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, the Durand Line, is more than 2,400 kilometres long. Neither ‘Chenghis’ nor ‘English’ can control it. It cannot be controlled by force alone. If Pakistan wants peace, it has a larger army and a better intelligence network – yet why is it not controlling it? This battle is inside Pakistan. Instead of blaming us, they should control the issues in their locality.
He said that why is Pakistan not taking its people into confidence? Many people in Pakistan, and of course we, don’t want this fight to continue. But Pakistan should control these groups. Why should you put your own people in danger to please some people?…”
