Taliban Say Pakistan ‘Initiated War,’ Afghan Territorial Integrity a Red Line
DID Press: Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid, defense minister of the Taliban administration, says Pakistan deliberately moved toward initiating conflict amid escalating tensions along the disputed Durand Line.
Speaking to TOLOnews, Mujahid said multiple rounds of negotiations between Afghanistan and Pakistan in several countries failed to produce results, adding that “there were signs the Pakistani side was intentionally moving toward the start of war.”
He said Kabul repeatedly demanded written guarantees of mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial boundaries, warning that border closures, pressure on refugees, and unilateral demands would not resolve tensions.
According to Mujahid, Pakistan sought recognition of the Durand Line as an official international border and demanded operations against migrants on the Afghan side—requests Kabul described as “unacceptable and beyond the authority of governments.”
The Taliban defense chief added that during later talks, including meetings in Saudi Arabia, Afghan officials were urged to take action against individuals listed by the United Nations. Kabul rejected the approach as “illogical,” arguing that definitions of terrorism differ between parties. He also claimed Pakistan attempted to shift the conflict into Afghanistan and incite tribal divisions.
Mujahid said Afghanistan had released several Pakistani detainees as a goodwill gesture during negotiations and informed the Saudi delegation that Pakistani territory should not be used to organize opposition to the Afghan government or support Islamic State militants.
Referring to recent clashes, the minister accused Pakistan of targeting civilians, while saying Afghan responses focused on military objectives. “Afghanistan did not start the war,” he said, adding that the continuation or cessation of fighting “depends on decisions in Islamabad.”
He added that Kabul had expected a peace message from Pakistan but instead saw attacks that resulted in the deaths of women and children. Afghanistan’s initial response was limited, he said, but expanded as the conflict prolonged.
Mujahid also stated that Afghanistan had attempted to resolve tensions involving Pakistan and the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) through peace talks, claiming negotiations had progressed around 80 percent before being halted by Pakistan’s new leadership. He accused Islamabad of exaggerating the TTP threat to justify future pressure or military action against Afghanistan.
In another claim, the Taliban minister said Pakistan may have received a U.S. project aimed at destroying remaining weapons in Afghanistan, though the allegation has not been confirmed by United States officials.
Mujahid concluded that Afghanistan seeks peace and diplomacy, but warned that “disrespect for Afghan territory is unacceptable,” adding that if Kabul’s security is threatened, Islamabad would also face insecurity.