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Root of Pakistan’s policy toward Afghanistan is Durand Line, says Khalilzad
Khalilzad also accused Iran of exploiting Afghan refugees in the Syrian war, saying: “A number of Afghans were sent to Syria and were killed there, and they had been sent by Iran.”
Zalmay Khalilzad, former US Special Representative for Afghanistan, has criticized Pakistan’s approach toward Kabul, stating that tensions between the two neighbors are rooted in the long-disputed Durand Line.
In an exclusive interview with Ariana News, Khalilzad said: “Pakistan tries to solve Afghanistan’s internal problems by first creating those problems, and then presenting itself to the world as a power capable of resolving them. This approach, which has been practiced over the past several decades, still continues. The root of Pakistan’s policy is the issue of the Durand Line.”
He stressed that the repetition of Pakistan’s post-independence policies toward Afghanistan must be prevented and suggested that a fundamental dialogue between Kabul and Islamabad could help resolve challenges — provided Pakistan engages sincerely.
Khalilzad also accused Iran of exploiting Afghan refugees in the Syrian war, saying: “A number of Afghans were sent to Syria and were killed there, and they had been sent by Iran.”
He described Tehran’s deportation of Afghan refugees as driven by “unjust and irrational sentiments.”
On Washington’s stance toward Kabul, Khalilzad said relations remain limited but cooperative in some areas. While clarifying that there is no political relationship between the United States and the Islamic Emirate, he noted there is cooperation on counterterrorism.
He also called Russia’s recognition of the Islamic Emirate a “significant and major step” for Moscow, adding: “This was a major step by Russia. The policy of the new US administration regarding Afghanistan is still under discussion. I hope a decision will be made in the next three months.”
At the same time, Khalilzad criticized the continued closure of schools and universities for Afghan girls by the Islamic Emirate, calling for dialogue and engagement with respected figures from within Afghanistan’s recent history as part of the solution. He emphasized that those who, in
the past two decades, “deprived the Afghan people of exceptional opportunities” should have no role in the country’s future.
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IEA should respond to Pakistan’s security concerns with concrete actions: Andrabi
Pakistani Foreign Ministry spokesman Tahir Hussain Andrabi says both Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Sadyr Japarov, the President of Kyrgyzstan, who visited Islamabad on Thursday, expressed their mutual commitment to a peaceful, stable Afghanistan with a sustainable future for the Afghan people.
Speaking in a press conference on Friday, Andrabi stated that both sides agreed that the Islamic Emirate must fulfill its obligations toward the international community and take concrete steps against terrorist groups to address Pakistan’s legitimate security concerns.
This comes while the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has repeatedly emphasized that no terrorist groups operate from Afghan territory and that it will not allow anyone to use Afghan soil against any country.
The Islamic Emirate has also stated that Pakistan’s security concerns are an internal issue of that country, and Pakistan itself must take measures to prevent any security incidents.
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Malaysia’s PM calls peaceful solution to Afghanistan-Pakistan tensions
Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has voiced deep concern over escalating tensions between the Afghanistan–Pakistan during a telephone conversation with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
In a statement posted on Facebook, Anwar said he emphasized Malaysia’s concerns regarding regional stability and urged all parties to pursue a peaceful resolution through dialogue and diplomatic engagement to prevent further escalation.
His remarks follow media reports indicating heightened tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan after a series of attacks in October.
During the call, the two leaders also exchanged views on several aspects of Malaysia–Pakistan bilateral relations.
Anwar also briefed Sharif on the ongoing flood situation in Malaysia and similar challenges facing neighboring countries, including Indonesia and Thailand.
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Afghanistan makes major strides in cutting drug trafficking, says Putin
Putin stated that Afghan authorities have “substantially reduced” opium cultivation and are “seriously confronting” drug-related threats from within their borders.
Russian President Vladimir Putin says Afghanistan has taken “active and effective” steps to curb drug trafficking, noting a significant drop in opium production across the country. He made the remarks during an exclusive interview with India Today during his India trip, highlighting what he described as “visible progress” in Afghanistan’s internal security efforts.
Putin stated that Afghan authorities have “substantially reduced” opium cultivation and are “seriously confronting” drug-related threats from within their borders. He added that Afghanistan has also made important advancements in the fight against terrorism.
Responding to a question about why Russia officially recognized the Islamic Emirate, the Russian president said Afghanistan had been engulfed in civil conflict for many years, but the current authorities now hold control over the country. “This is the reality, and it must be acknowledged,” Putin emphasized.
He further noted that maintaining contact with Afghanistan’s leadership is crucial for shaping events inside the country. “If you want influence, you must engage with the people in charge — and that is exactly what we are doing,” he said.
Putin’s remarks come as several regional powers continue to recalibrate their diplomatic strategies toward Afghanistan, focusing on stability, counterterrorism, and economic cooperation.
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