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Tag: Kabul

  • ‘Won’t hesitate to strike Afghanistan again; conflict with Indian remains a possibility,’ says Asif

    ‘Won’t hesitate to strike Afghanistan again; conflict with Indian remains a possibility,’ says Asif

    Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif has warned that Pakistan will not hesitate to carry out fresh strikes in Afghanistan if the authorities in Kabul fail to provide credible assurances of peace. 

    “Pakistan won’t hesitate to conduct new strikes in Afghanistan, unless someone in Kabul can underwrite peace,” he said during an interview with FRANCE 24.

    The minister, while talking about the security situation in Pakistan following the recent suicide bombing at an Imambargah in Islamabad, said that almost all franchises of terrorism were present in the country because of the non-seriousness of Kabul towards curbing terrorism.

    “Complicity would be a better word,” he said.

    Asif also accused India of waging a “proxy war” against Pakistan and said that New Delhi and Kabul, along with militant groups, are “on the same page” when it comes to targeting Pakistan, and emphasised that a direct conflict with India remained “a possibility”.

    It may be noted that the warning comes after border clashes between Islamabad and Kabul in October 2025 when Afghan Taliban forces and militants launched attacks on Pakistani border posts. According to reports, more than 200 Taliban and affiliated militants were killed while 23 Pakistani soldiers were martyred defending the border. 

    While Pakistan also conducted precision strikes in Kandahar and Kabul targeting militant positions, both countries, despite several rounds of talks, were unable to reach an effective ceasefire agreement due to the Afghan Taliban’s refusal to take action against terrorist groups.

    On the question of Pakistan’s stance toward Israel, Asif said the country was not considering normalisation of ties.

    “I don’t see this option even being considered by Pakistan,” he said, noting that any future engagement would depend on Palestinians securing the right to self-determination in their own homeland.

  • Donald Trump thanks Pakistan govt for help in apprehending terrorism suspect

    Donald Trump thanks Pakistan govt for help in apprehending terrorism suspect

    In a historic joint speech to Congress on Tuesday, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the United States has captured the mastermind behind the deadly 2021 Kabul airport Abbey Gate attack and thanked the Pakistani government for assisting in the apprehension.

    The recently elected 47th president revealed that the suspect, Mohammad Sharifullah, had been apprehended and was being extradited to the U.S. to face justice.

    “Tonight, I am pleased to announce that we have just apprehended the top terrorist responsible for that atrocity,” Trump declared, adding that “he is right now on his way here to face the swift sword of American justice.”

    He thanked the Government of Pakistan for assisting in apprehending the “monster” and added that it was a huge day for the affected families.

    “This was a very momentous day for those 13 families, whom I actually got to know very well, whose children were murdered. What a horrible day,” he added, acknowledging the grief of the victims’ families.

    The attack during the tense withdrawal from Afghanistan claimed the lives of approximately 170 Afghan civilians and 13 American service members.

    Trump also criticised his predecessor, Joe Biden, calling the Afghanistan withdrawal “disastrous and incompetent” and “perhaps the most embarrassing moment in our country’s history.”  

    The Biden administration had previously defended its actions, arguing that decisions made under Trump limited its options. It has also cited delays caused by the Afghan government and US intelligence assessments.  

    Trump asserted that capturing Sharifullah was a major breakthrough in holding those responsible accountable and bringing justice to the fallen soldiers and their families.

    “As President Trump just announced, I can report that tonight the FBI, DOJ, and CIA have extradited one of the terrorists responsible for the murder of the 13 American soldiers at Abbey Gate during the disastrous Afghanistan withdrawal,” FBI Director Kash Patel wrote on X (formerly Twitter) shortly after Trump’s announcement.


    Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif thanked Trump for acknowledging Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts.  

    In a post on X, his official account stated:

    We thank US President Donald Trump for acknowledging and appreciating Pakistan’s role and support in counter terrorism efforts across the region, in the context of Pakistan Security Forces’ recent apprehension of ISKP’s top tier operational commander Shareefullah, who is an Afghanistan National. The wanted terrorist was apprehended in a successful operation conducted in Pakistan-Afghan border region. 

    As is well-known, Pakistan has always played a critical role in counter terrorism efforts aimed at denying safe havens to terrorists and militant groups the space to operate against any other country. We remain steadfast in our resolve and unwavering commitment to combating terrorism, in all its forms and manifestations. 

    In this effort, Pakistan has rendered great sacrifices, including the lives of over 80,000 of our brave soldiers and citizens. 

    The resolve of our leadership and our people remains unflinching, to eradicate the menace of terrorism from our country. We will continue to partner closely with the United States in securing regional peace and stability.

  • Iran’s Foreign Minister Set to Visit Kabul

    Iran’s Foreign Minister Set to Visit Kabul

    Hossein Amir Abdollahian will soon visit Kabul to shore up ties between the two countries. His visit is expected to encourage diplomatic, economic, and security relations with Afghanistan while confronting the political issues in the region.

    The issues with international relations, security, and governance remain pertinent despite Afghanistan’s transition to a new phase of political development, particularly with the Taliban now in power. Iran’s geography means it is keen to develop stable relations with Afghanistan. They want to expand relationships to ensure commerce, border security, and counter-terrorism policy remain effective. 

    Although the visit’s agenda has not been disclosed to the public, experts anticipate talks will include topics such as border security, Afghan refugees, and the country’s evolving political landscape. Iran has hosted a significant number of Afghan refugees over the years and the civilians remain a key humanitarian issue. The protection and well-being of Afghan refugees in Iran may be the main priority for the Iranian delegation.

    Additionally, Hashem Ashjazadeh, Iran’s Director-General for South Asia and Special Envoy for Kabul, met with Muhammad Sadiq in Islamabad on Monday for discussions. He is Pakistan’s special representative for Afghanistan.

    Sadiq said there are plans to visit China and Russia to talk with officials about Afghanistan-related matters. The Islamic Emirate has repeatedly stated that Kabul is eager to build friendly ties with its neighbors and within the region. It is also ready to expand its relations with the rest of the world while keeping an eye on economic growth.

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  • Kabul to cooperate with Pakistan in probing Bisham terror attack

    Kabul to cooperate with Pakistan in probing Bisham terror attack

    The Foreign Office of Pakistan on Friday stated that Taliban authorities in Afghanistan had assured Pakistan of their cooperation in the investigation into the Bisham suicide attack in which five Chinese nationals and their Pakistani driver were killed.

    “The Afghan side has agreed to examine the findings of the investigation and to work with Pakistan to take the investigation to its logical conclusion,” said the FO spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch in a press briefing.

    This development came after the visit of a high-level delegation led by Interior Secretary Khurram Agha to Kabul.

    China also welcomed the progress in the investigation and urged Pakistani authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice.

    In recent years, tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan have flared up as Pakistan blames Afghanistan for letting their territory be used by TTP against Pakistan.

  • Taliban government in Kabul urges Islamabad to show restraint over Afghan migrants

    Taliban government in Kabul urges Islamabad to show restraint over Afghan migrants

    Taliban authorities urged Pakistan on Thursday not to make a unilateral decision on repatriating Afghan migrants, saying they shouldn’t be “harassed,” after reports Islamabad would renew an eviction campaign.

    More than half a million Afghans fled Pakistan last year after the former government ordered undocumented migrants to leave or face arrest as Islamabad-Kabul relations soured over security.

    Islamabad initially set a November 2023 deadline but official sources, who asked not to be identified, told AFP in March that Pakistan is gathering data on Afghan migrants – including those residing legally in the country – ahead of a renewed push slated to start after the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.

    A final decision has not been made on a repatriation push, according to Pakistan officials, but the Afghan deputy minister for refugees urged restraint in a meeting with a top Pakistani diplomat in Kabul.

    “The issue of refugees is bilateral and decisions regarding them should be made through an understanding between both countries,” said Abdul Rahman Rashed, according to a ministry statement on social media platform X on Thursday.

    “They shouldn’t be harassed until a joint mechanism is reached.”

    Taliban authorities have urged Afghans to return home since taking power in 2021 but they also have condemned Pakistan’s actions, saying nationals are being punished for tensions between Islamabad and Kabul, and have called for people to be given more time to leave.

    Millions of Afghans have poured into Pakistan over the decades, fleeing successive conflicts and political upheaval.

  • PM Kakar wants Islamabad and Kabul to collaborate on shared objectives

    PM Kakar wants Islamabad and Kabul to collaborate on shared objectives

    Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, the interim Prime Minister, has urged his Afghan counterpart in a letter to cooperate in order to accomplish shared objectives, The News reported on Monday.

    The letter from PM Kakar to Mullah Muhammad Hasan Akhund, the acting Prime Minister of Afghanistan, comes as tensions between the two nations are rising as a result of an increase in cross-border terror incidents.

    In his letter, PM Kakar said: “Pakistan has close fraternal relations with Afghanistan, as we are neighbours and brothers. Pakistan-Afghanistan relations are rooted in religion, culture, and history.”

    The Premier declared that Kabul and Islamabad will continue to work together to strengthen bilateral, political, security, and economic ties.

    Earlier, Pakistan accused the Afghanistan government of misusing the transit trade agreement.

    “It is important for our customs authorities to ensure that any border trade that takes place complies with the understandings and agreements that exist between Pakistan and Afghanistan and that such commercial activities do not contravene Pakistani laws,” the Foreign Office had said.

  • Blast in Kabul near Ministry of Foreign Affairs

    Blast in Kabul near Ministry of Foreign Affairs

    An explosion has taken place in front of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kabul. Multiple casualties are being reported.

    In a tweet, a spokesman of the Kabul Police Command, Khalid Zadran confirmed the tragedy.

    He wrote, “Today around 4 o’clock there was an explosion on the road of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which unfortunately resulted in casualties. Security teams have reached the area, and the details of the incident will be shared later.”

    According to media outlets, at least three people have lost their lives as of now.

    It has also been reported that the blast took place when a meeting was underway between a Chinese govt delegation and Taliban representatives inside the ministry.

    This is a developing story.

  • ‘Apni hadd mein raho’: Male MNA reacts after female ministers unite to slam his remarks against Hina Rabbani

    ‘Apni hadd mein raho’: Male MNA reacts after female ministers unite to slam his remarks against Hina Rabbani

    Women Members of the National Assembly (MNAs) from treasury benches extended their support for State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hina Rabbani Khar, after Jamaat-e-Islami’s (JI) MNA Abdul Akbar Chitrali criticised her on the recent visit to Afghanistan.

    MNA Chitrali said that he was not against any female minister, but he believed that the government should have included some tribal elders in the Khar-led delegation that visited Afghanistan.

    Minister for Climate Change Senator Sherry Rehman defended the decision, saying that if Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari decided to send a women delegation to [Kabul], he is correct in making this choice. “This is a message from Pakistan that this government and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) work and takes pride in promoting its women, protecting their rights and giving them representation,” she said.

    Quoting the example of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto, the minister said she was the first elected woman prime minister of Pakistan and was highly praised across the globe.

    “This debate on gender difference has ended in the entire world, as to who is a man and who a woman. People are known for their performance and merit and not for their gender. Our women are excelling internationally and continuing to do so,” said the minister.

    Referring to the incumbent government, she said: “We, being coalition partners, are on one page and Khar’s visit to Afghanistan has projected the soft image of Pakistan.”

    Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb also spoke up, asking that all parliamentarians, especially the male community, should encourage and acknowledge the competency of women ministers appointed on merit.

    “Hina represented Pakistan in Afghanistan. This is a moment of pride for the entire nation,” she said, rebuffing Chitrali’s objections.

    She said the Taliban rulers had no problem negotiating with Khar, who had taken up Pakistan’s concerns very well during her trip to Kabul.

    Right from Fatima Jinnah to Kulsoom Nawaz and Najma Hameed, she said, women had sacrificed to strengthen democracy in the country. They were all pride of Pakistan, she added.

    “This is a wrong impression from our side that such gender discriminations is happening in our own parliament, in Pakistan. I got emotional seeing Hina Rabbani Khar sahiba sitting at the table alongside the Afghanistan government doing the negotiations. We in Pakistan should be proud of her,” said Aurangzeb.

    Later, Chitrali took to the floor of the house and promptly got into a verbal dispute with Aurangzeb and PPP Federal Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Shazia Marri said, “Don’t try to scare me. I am not scared of anyone. Who are you? Aram say betho [ Sit down]. We respect women, but they should remain within their limits.”

    Ayaz Sadiq then intervened, after which Chitrali offered an apology, stating that he was sorry if his remarks hurt anyone.

    He added that his comments were taken in a negative context as he did not mean what his colleagues thought he had said.

  • US warns Taliban of action if terrorists ‘regroup’ in Afghanistan

    US warns Taliban of action if terrorists ‘regroup’ in Afghanistan

    The United States (US) has warned of action if the superpower sees “international terrorists regrouping in Afghanistan” while saying that US’ broader goal was to make sure that “terrorists and others aren’t able to use Afghanistan as a launch pad for attacks on Pakistan.”

    US State Department Spokesperson Ned Price, in a press briefing, stated: “We also have capabilities when it comes to counterterrorism in the region that does not leave us entirely beholden to the Taliban.”

    He also mentioned the killing of the al-Qaeda leader, Ayman al-Zawahiri by a US strike in August this year to prove the superpower’s capabilities to act against terrorists.

    The spokesperson also added that the Afghan Taliban had been “either unable or unwilling to live up to the commitments that they’ve made in a number of areas.”

    Answering a question, Price said, “Of course, we’ve seen other groups also active. You mentioned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), among others. We are determined to work with our partners in the region, including Pakistan, to do what we can to take on the threat of terrorism in the region, and certainly the threat of terrorism that extends well beyond the region.”

    Terming Pakistan an “important partner”, Price said that the US values its bilateral relationship with the country. “We welcome opportunities to expand cooperation in areas that are of mutual interest to us and to Pakistan. That, of course, does include when it comes to counterterrorism”, he added.

    Earlier this week, Pakistan’s Head of Mission to Kabul Ubaid-ur-Rehman Nizamani escaped an assassination bid in Afghanistan. Last month, a suicide attack— for which TTP claimed responsibility— rammed a police escort for a polio vaccination team in Quetta.

  • ‘Changing threat matrix of terrorism is need of the hour’: PM Shehbaz responds to Kabul suicide blast killing 19

    ‘Changing threat matrix of terrorism is need of the hour’: PM Shehbaz responds to Kabul suicide blast killing 19

    A suicide bomb attack on a classroom of hundreds of students preparing for exams in Kabul, Afghanistan on Friday killed at least 19 people.

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif, extending his condolences, said, “Deeply grieved at the loss of young lives in a horrific suicide attack at a learning center in Kabul. Words can’t express this sheer barbarism. We send our deepest condolences & most sincere sympathies to the bereaved families & people of Afghanistan.”

    He further tweeted, “As I stated in my address at UNGA, terrorism continues to threaten not just Afghanistan & Pakistan but also the world. The international community should not let its guard down. Strengthening global cooperation against changing threat matrix of terrorism is need of the hour.”