- FO spokesperson says deflecting responsibility for terrorism cannot absolve Kabul of its regional obligations
- Rebukes Kabul for ‘exporting terrorism,’ rejecting Muttaqi’s claim that terrorism is ‘Pakistan’s internal problem’
- Protests India-Afghanistan joint statement’s reference to Jammu and Kashmir, reiterates right to regulate foreign nationals
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Saturday strongly rebuked Afghan Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi for his remarks made during a visit to India, warning that “deflecting responsibility for cross-border terrorism cannot absolve the Afghan interim government of its obligations toward regional peace and stability,” according to a Foreign Office statement.
The sharp response came after Muttaqi, while addressing a press conference in New Delhi following a deadly explosion in Kabul on Thursday, indirectly blamed Pakistan and claimed there was “no terrorist group left in Afghanistan.” He said countries should resolve their internal issues themselves, adding, “Since the last eight months, there has not been even a small incident in Afghanistan. In four years, no one has been harmed from Afghanistan’s soil. This is the best proof we have presented.”
The FO statement said Pakistan’s “strong reservations” over elements of the India-Afghanistan joint statement were formally conveyed to the Afghan ambassador in Islamabad by the Additional Foreign Secretary (West Asia & Afghanistan).
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Pakistan raises its concerns on the elements of India-Afghanistan Joint Statement and Remarks by Afghan Acting Foreign Minister in India
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— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) October 11, 2025
Rejecting Muttaqi’s assertion that terrorism was Pakistan’s internal problem, the FO said Islamabad had “repeatedly shared details” with Kabul regarding the presence of Fitna al-Khawarij and Fitna al-Hindustan—terms used for militants of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and India-backed Baloch insurgent groups—“operating from Afghan soil with support from elements within Afghanistan.”
“It was emphasized that deflecting the responsibility of controlling terrorism towards Pakistan cannot absolve the interim Afghan government of its obligations towards ensuring peace and stability in the region,” the FO said.
The ministry also expressed “serious concern” over the India-Afghanistan joint statement’s reference to Jammu and Kashmir as part of India, calling it a “clear violation of relevant UN Security Council resolutions” and an affront to the sacrifices and sentiments of the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
Reiterating Pakistan’s longstanding hospitality, the FO noted that the country had “generously hosted nearly four million Afghans for over four decades” and maintained that it was now time for unauthorized Afghan nationals to return home as stability gradually returns to Afghanistan.
“Like all other countries, Pakistan has the right to regulate the presence of foreign nationals in its territory,” it said, adding that Islamabad continued to issue study and medical visas for Afghans “in the spirit of Islamic brotherhood and good neighborly relations.”
The statement added that Pakistan desired a “peaceful, stable, and regionally connected Afghanistan,” and had extended extensive trade and connectivity facilitation to promote mutual socio-economic development.
“However, the government of Pakistan has a responsibility to take all possible measures for the safety and security of its people,” it said, calling on the Taliban administration to take “concrete steps” to prevent its soil from being used for terrorism against Pakistan.
Meanwhile, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif cautioned that Afghanistan’s “export of terrorism” was poisoning bilateral ties, warning that continued attacks from Afghan soil would create fissures that Pakistan “does not desire.”
In an interview with a private TV channel, Asif said, “The terrorism they’re exporting to Pakistan will create a fissure in relations, which is not our wish. We want our relations to continue respectfully.” He urged communities to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity, saying, “If you remain silent due to fear or any other reason, then I think it is understood as agreement.”
The issue of militants using Afghan territory for attacks has long strained Pakistan-Afghanistan relations. Islamabad has repeatedly urged Kabul to rein in such groups amid a surge in cross-border violence, particularly after the Taliban’s 2021 takeover.
Tensions escalated this week following Pakistani operations against terrorist hideouts and Afghan allegations that Islamabad violated its airspace. The Afghan defense ministry claimed Pakistan “bombed a civilian market in Paktika and violated Kabul’s territory.”
Asked to comment on these claims, DG ISPR Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry neither confirmed nor denied reports of Pakistani strikes in Kabul but reaffirmed Islamabad’s right to defend itself. “Afghanistan is being used as a base of operations for carrying out terrorism in Pakistan. There is evidence of this,” he said during a press conference in Peshawar.
