Pakistan says it respects Afghanistan’s sovereignty, rules out ‘regime change’

Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry reaffirmed its respect for Afghanistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, emphasizing that it has no intention of interfering in the country’s government.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday, spokesperson Tahir Andarabi addressed questions about the possibility of a change in Afghanistan’s leadership. He said, “It is for the Afghan people to pick and choose whichever government they want, and we are ready to work with the present dispensation, the current Kabul regime.”

Andarabi stressed that using the term “regime change” in reference to a neighboring country is incorrect. He reiterated that Pakistan’s policy is to respect Afghanistan’s internal decisions and to maintain constructive cooperation with the government in Kabul.

The statement comes amid heightened tensions between the two neighbours over security issues.

Andarabi said Islamabad was still waiting for written assurances from the Islamic Emirate not to use Afghan soil against Pakistan and that the closure of the trade crossings was linked to this issue.

Since the closure of the crossings, 306 Pakistani citizens, including 15 students, have returned to their country by air, he said.

Pakistani officials have repeatedly claimed that attacks in the country are organized by militants on Afghan soil. In October, Pakistan launched attacks in Afghanistan and deadly clashes between the two sides led to the closure of crossings.

The Islamic Emirate, however, rejects Pakistan’s claims, saying the root of insecurity is inside the country and Afghanistan cannot be held responsible.