Islamabad: Not Seeking Regime Change in Kabul, Focusing on Border Stability

DID Press: Pakistan’s Defense Minister has dismissed reports suggesting Islamabad is seeking to change the Taliban government, calling such claims “baseless and misleading.” He emphasized that Pakistan’s priority is stability in Afghanistan and prevention of cross-border attacks.

In an interview with Arab News, Khawaja Muhammad Asif rejected any interference in Afghanistan’s internal affairs, saying Pakistan seeks peaceful relations and the immediate cessation of cross-border attacks from Afghanistan territory. He described allegations of Pakistan’s involvement in schemes to alter the Taliban government as “false, incorrect, and misleading,” stressing that respect for Afghanistan’s sovereignty is a core principle of Pakistan’s foreign policy.

“After decades of instability, Pakistan seeks only peace and cooperation with its neighbors. We have no interest in conflict or creating crises in Afghanistan,” the minister added.

He also urged the caretaker Afghan government to prevent extremist groups from operating in border areas, warning that any attack originating from Afghanistan soil against Pakistan would be treated as a violation of the ceasefire agreement.

“Terrorism remains the primary threat to peace between our countries. We expect the Afghan government to take serious action against groups such as Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and prevent their infiltration into our territory,” he said.

Regarding Afghanistan’s relations with other countries, including India, Asif said: “We respect Kabul’s diplomatic choices, but such relationships must not become a threat to Pakistan’s security or territorial integrity.”

The Defense Minister concluded by emphasizing that Pakistan seeks diplomatic solutions to resolve border tensions and ensure sustainable stability in the region.