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The Taliban has warned Pakistan of a strong response to any military action inside Afghanistan while calling for a greater Saudi role in resolving tensions between the two neighbours.
Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid told Al Arabiya English that Afghanistan has the right to defend its sovereignty if Pakistan launches an attack on Afghan territory.
He said any violation of Afghanistan’s sovereignty would draw a “crushing response”, rejecting Pakistan’s allegations that Afghan territory is being used to recruit, train and arm militants.
Mujahid said the Taliban does not allow Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) to operate from Afghanistan and does not support armed groups carrying out attacks against other countries.
He urged Pakistan to address its internal security problems rather than blame Afghanistan, saying unrest involving the TTP and Baloch groups predates the Taliban’s return to power.
Despite the tensions, Mujahid said Kabul remains willing to hold talks with Islamabad and called for stronger mechanisms for intelligence-sharing and cooperation.
He also welcomed greater Saudi involvement in resolving the dispute, saying Riyadh is a friend of both Afghanistan and Pakistan and could play a constructive role in easing their differences.
Source: Al Arabiya English