Maulana Fazlur Rehman, the leader of Pakistan’s Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F), has called on the Pakistani government to reassess its Afghanistan policy, warning that the country risks increasing diplomatic isolation across the region.

Addressing a ceremony organized by JUI-F leader Kafeel Nizami, Rehman criticized what he described as contradictory state narratives toward Afghanistan. He questioned why bilateral relations have failed to improve despite more than seven decades of engagement.

“We must reflect on whether all the mistakes lie on Afghanistan’s side,” he said, urging policymakers to abandon efforts aimed at maintaining influence over Kabul. He emphasized that a stable and sovereign Afghanistan would better serve regional peace and long-term strategic interests.

The JUI-F chief also cautioned against repeated attempts at regime change, arguing that such approaches have historically deepened instability. He linked past conflicts and interventionist policies to ongoing regional tensions.

Criticizing United States foreign policy, Rehman described Washington’s approach as inconsistent, saying it shifts positions depending on circumstances. He urged Pakistan to avoid entanglement in great-power rivalries and instead pursue an independent, sovereignty-driven diplomatic strategy.

Rehman further warned that Pakistan’s relations with India, Iran, and Afghanistan are under strain, while several regional states are strengthening partnerships with India.

He concluded by calling for a unified national foreign policy, stressing the need for collective decision-making among political stakeholders rather than reliance on a single party’s approach.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has criticized the United States’ efforts at regime change in countries like Afghanistan, describing them as largely unsuccessful.

Speaking at a forum in Frankfurt on Friday, organized by the FAZ newspaper, Merz questioned the effectiveness of regime change as a strategy. “Is regime change really the goal?” he asked, adding that such efforts have “mostly gone wrong” in past conflicts, particularly the war in Afghanistan.

Merz expressed significant doubts about the existence of a coherent and successful strategy for regime change, remarking, “I have serious doubts as to whether there is a strategy and whether that strategy is being successfully implemented.” He warned that without a clear plan, such efforts could take even longer to achieve, if at all.

The Chancellor pointed out that, in his view, the only successful regime change in recent decades occurred in Panama. In contrast, Merz stated that most other attempts, including in Afghanistan, have failed to deliver the intended outcomes.

His comments come amid widespread domestic and international criticism of the U.S. military presence and withdrawal from Afghanistan, following nearly two decades of conflict that culminated in the Islamic Emirate’s return to power.

The Ministry of Defense of Afghanistan has reassured the nation that its defense forces are fully prepared to address any security threats along the country’s borders.

Enayatullah Khwarizmi, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, made a firm statement asserting that the protection of Afghanistan’s independence and national security is a fundamental responsibility for all members of the Afghan armed forces. He emphasized that this commitment is both a religious and patriotic duty.

In addition, Sediqullah Nasrat, deputy spokesperson for the Ministry, released a video message stressing that Afghan forces stationed in the eastern zone are steadfast in their positions, remaining vigilant to defend the nation’s sovereignty against any external threats. Nasrat further highlighted that the defense forces are leveraging all available resources to ensure the safety, security, and stability of Afghanistan, underscoring their unwavering dedication to serving the Afghan people.

The statements come at a time of heightened regional tensions, as Afghanistan continues to focus on safeguarding its borders and strengthening its defense capabilities.