Amidst rising tensions, Afghan PM says Kabul has no intention of causing harm to Pakistan
Pakistan
Mullah Akhund calls for a cessation of Pakistan’s ‘brutal’ policy towards Afghan refugees
(Web Desk) – Afghan Prime Minister Mullah Hasan Akhund on Monday reassured Maulana Fazlur Rehman, the emir of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), that Kabul has no intention of causing harm to Pakistan or any other country.
The Afghan premier’s statement came during a meeting with Fazl, who is leading an 11-member delegation, which touched down in Kabul on Sunday.
“Islamic Emirate will not permit any threat to be posed to any country,” Akhund was cited in a statement released by Afghan government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid. He also highlighted the crucial role of religious scholars in resolving issues and dispelling misunderstandings between Islamabad and Kabul.
Fazl was extended an invitation by the interim Afghan government last month, marking his first visit to Afghanistan since the Taliban assumed control in 2021.
Before embarking on Afghanistan trip, Fazl had asserted that the visit would consider the interests of both Pakistan and Afghanistan, adding that he intended to communicate Pakistan's position to the Taliban leaders. According to Fazl, the Foreign Office had provided him a briefing on Jan 3, highlighting Pakistan's stance and demands.
During the meeting, the Aghan prime minister called for a cessation of what he deemed as Pakistan’s "brutal" policy towards Afghan refugees, saying that “such actions do not solve problems, but contribute to mistrust”.
Afghanistan’s acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, also present at the meeting, highlighted the issues faced by Afghan traders and challenges in transit trade and exports caused by Pakistani officials. Muttaqi stressed that trade and economic matters should not be sacrificed for political purposes.
The statement from the JUI-F media cell, issued after the meeting, quoted Fazl expressing congratulations to the people of Afghanistan on the "victory of the Islamic Emirate against the invasion". Fazl hoped for the strengthening of the Islamic system in Afghanistan, foreseeing a positive impact on the broader Islamic world.
He said his visit aimed to dispel misunderstandings between the two countries, with both sides calling for collaborative efforts to find solutions to persistent issues in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Fazl emphasised the importance of cooperation in politics, economy, trade and mutual development. He also criticised the deportation of Afghan nationals by Pakistan, considering it a source of problems between the two nations.
— Jamiat Ulama-e-Islam Pakistan (@juipakofficial) January 8, 2024
The meeting between Fazlur Rehman and the Afghan authorities takes place amid strained relations between the two neighbouring countries, exacerbated by increased terrorist attacks, primarily claimed by the banned terrorist outfit Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
Pakistan has accused terrorist groups of using Afghan soil against it, a charge denied by the Afghan Taliban.
Afghanistan Deputy Prime Minister Maulvi Abdul Kabir welcomed the delegation on Sunday, expressing hope that the visit would contribute to reducing tensions, emphasising the desire for good relations based on mutual respect.
