New Delhi, October 12: Amidst the escalating tensions on the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi has stated that Afghanistan wants peace, but will not compromise on protecting its borders and national interests. The Afghan side has currently agreed to a ceasefire with the mediation of Qatar and Saudi Arabia, but if Pakistan refuses to agree to peace, Afghanistan has other options.
Afghan Foreign Minister Muttaqi held his second press conference at the Afghan Embassy today. During the press conference, he answered questions from journalists on various topics and clarified the issue of not inviting female journalists to the previous press conference. Female journalists were present in the front rows of this press conference.
Regarding the tensions with Pakistan, Amir Khan Muttaqi said that the people there and most politicians want good relations with Afghanistan, but some elements are trying to disrupt the atmosphere.
He stated that no one—not Genghis Khan, the British, or the Americans—could control the 2,400-kilometer-long, treacherous Durand Line through force.
Muttaqi clarified that the ongoing conflict in Pakistan is Pakistan’s internal matter, and blaming Afghanistan for it is unfair. Regarding the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), he stated that it has no presence in Afghanistan. Those present are displaced refugees from Pakistan.
He confirmed a four-hour limited counter-offensive, stating that the Afghan army achieved its objectives and no civilians were harmed. The fighting has been halted at the request of Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
Muttaqi stated that Afghanistan bears full responsibility for its border and national security. In the event of any threat, the people and government unite to defend the country.
He explained that the Afghan government is based on Islamic principles, which protect the rights of both men and women. The Taliban regime has forgiven its opponents, ensuring lasting peace in the country. “Blood cannot be wiped out with blood,” he said, adding that he himself rides a motorcycle in Kabul without security.
Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, during his visit to India, met with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and discussed a wide range of trade, economics, and development projects. India announced the upgrading of its technical mission in Kabul to embassy level and confirmed the arrival of Afghan diplomats in New Delhi. The meeting also reached an agreement to establish a joint trade committee between the two countries, and India promised to enhance visa facilitation in the areas of health, trade, and education.
According to Muttaqi, Afghanistan invited India to invest in the mineral, agriculture, health, and sports sectors. The use of the Chabahar port, measures to combat sanctions, and the demand for the opening of the Wagah border were also discussed. India expressed its commitment to increase the number of flights between Kabul and Delhi and complete unfinished development projects in Afghanistan.
The Afghan Foreign Minister clarified that the Afghan Embassy in New Delhi is fully under the control of the Islamic Emirate and that “even those who were previously our opponents are now working with us.”
Regarding the flag, he said, “We fought jihad and won under this flag, so it is our symbol.”