Pakistan Taunts Khalilzad Over Taliban Role Speculation

DID Press: Pakistan’s presidential spokesperson has sharply criticized former US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, dismissing his remarks on Pakistan–Afghanistan tensions as biased and suggesting, in a sarcastic tone, that he should continue his efforts if he hopes to become foreign minister in a Taliban-led government.

Presidency of Pakistan spokesperson Murtaza Solangi made the comments on the social media platform X, responding to Khalilzad’s recent statements regarding cross-border tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Solangi accused Khalilzad of siding with the Taliban and said he would not be considered for any ministerial position in their administration, adding a pointed remark encouraging him to “keep trying.”

The remarks followed Khalilzad’s condemnation of recent Pakistani strikes on Afghan territory and his questioning of Islamabad’s stated objectives in addressing disputes with Kabul.