Pakistan is expressing strong dissatisfaction with the recent discussions between India and Afghanistan, lodging a formal protest with Kabul over the content of their joint statement. The primary points of contention for Islamabad are the joint statement's reference to Jammu and Kashmir and the assertion that terrorism is an internal issue for Pakistan.
Pakistani officials have conveyed to Afghanistan's ambassador that mentioning Jammu and Kashmir as part of India disregards relevant United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions and the region's disputed legal status. According to a statement from the Foreign Office, the joint statement demonstrates insensitivity towards the sacrifices and sentiments of the people in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). They maintain that these individuals are engaged in a legitimate struggle for self-determination.
Furthermore, Pakistan has firmly rejected claims made by Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi that terrorism is an internal problem for Pakistan. Islamabad insists that it has consistently shared details regarding the presence of terrorist elements operating from Afghan soil against Pakistan, with support from within Afghanistan. These elements reportedly include Fitna al Khwarij and Fitna al Hindustan. Pakistan argues that shifting the responsibility for controlling terrorism onto Pakistan does not absolve the Afghan government of its duty to ensure regional and broader peace and stability.
The India-Afghanistan joint statement, issued after talks between External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Afghan Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi in New Delhi, unequivocally condemned all acts of terrorism emanating from regional countries. Both sides emphasized the importance of promoting peace, stability, and mutual trust in the region, while respecting each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Jaishankar expressed appreciation for Afghanistan's understanding of India's security concerns, and Muttaqi reiterated the Afghan government's commitment to prevent any group or individual from using Afghan territory against India.
During the meeting, Jaishankar highlighted Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terrorism as a shared threat for both India and Afghanistan, emphasizing the need for coordinated efforts to combat it. He also referred to Afghanistan as a "contiguous" neighbor, sending a strong message regarding Pakistan's occupation of Jammu and Kashmir. Muttaqi assured that Afghanistan would not allow its territory to be used to threaten or harm others.
The talks also covered various aspects of bilateral cooperation, including India's commitment to Afghanistan's development and progress, as well as regional stability and resilience. India announced it would upgrade its technical mission in Kabul to an embassy, signaling a boost in diplomatic ties. Both sides expressed interest in strengthening cooperation in sports, particularly cricket, and welcomed the commencement of the India-Afghanistan Air Freight Corridor to enhance direct trade and commerce. The Afghan side invited Indian companies to invest in the mining sector to further strengthen bilateral trade and commercial relations.
India has also pledged assistance in reconstructing residential buildings in earthquake-affected areas and providing material aid to rebuild the lives of forcibly repatriated Afghan refugees.
Pakistan, on the other hand, claims to have evidence of Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan's (TTP) terror activities originating from Afghanistan and accuses India of supporting the TTP through Afghanistan, allegations that India has denied.
