Afghan Taliban accuse Pakistan of scapegoating amid border tensions

ISLAMABAD: The Afghan Taliban have accused Pakistan of using Afghanistan as a scapegoat for its internal security challenges, according to statements reported by The Express Tribune. This comes amid heightened tensions between the two countries, particularly concerning cross-border security and the presence of militant groups.

The Afghan Taliban government has rejected Pakistan's claims that militants operating from Afghan soil are responsible for attacks inside Pakistan. The Taliban administration stated that it is not responsible for Pakistan's internal issues and emphasized that blaming Afghanistan will not resolve Pakistan's security concerns.

The Express Tribune noted that the Taliban's response follows recent statements by Pakistani officials who have expressed concerns over the alleged presence of anti-Pakistan militants in Afghanistan. Pakistani authorities have repeatedly called on the Afghan government to take action against these groups.

The Taliban, however, maintain that they do not allow any group to use Afghan territory to threaten neighboring countries. The report highlighted that the Taliban administration has urged Pakistan to address its own internal matters rather than attributing its problems to Afghanistan.

The Express Tribune also reported that the Taliban accused Pakistan of playing the 'victim card' and attempting to shift blame for its security challenges. The Taliban spokesperson stated that Afghanistan seeks good relations with all its neighbors and does not support any activities that would destabilize the region.

Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have been strained in recent months, with both sides trading accusations over cross-border militancy. The situation has led to increased diplomatic engagement, but tensions remain high as both governments seek to address their respective security concerns.