ISLAMABAD:
The Taliban regime should not allow its territory to be used for terrorism against other countries and should focus on forming an inclusive and truly representative government, rather than engaging in baseless propaganda, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Monday.
In a statement, he said: “We have taken note of the recent statements made by the spokesperson of the Taliban regime on the internal affairs of Pakistan.”
“We strongly encourage the Afghan spokesperson to prioritize issues relevant to Afghanistan and refrain from commenting on matters outside his jurisdiction,” he said, adding: “The principle of non-interference in the affairs of other countries must be respected as per international diplomatic standards. Pakistan does not require external advice in its internal affairs.”
He said: “We also hope that the Taliban regime will fulfill its obligations and promises made to the international community during the Doha Process.”
Calls for moderation
The clashes have caught the attention of US President Donald Trump, who said he would focus on it soon. “I hear there’s a war now between Pakistan and Afghanistan,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One as he flew from Washington to Israel on Sunday as part of his efforts to end the Gaza war.
“I said, I’ll have to wait until I get back. You know, I’m doing another one, because I’m good at solving wars, I’m good at making peace,” Trump said.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday expressed concern over weekend border clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan and urged the two neighboring countries to resolve their differences peacefully.
“We are following the situation between Afghanistan and Pakistan with concern,” U.N. deputy spokesman Farhan Aziz Haq said in response to a question at the regular midday briefing at U.N. headquarters in New York.
“We want to ensure that the two countries can resolve their differences peacefully and that further clashes are avoided,” Farhan Haq added.
When asked if the UN chief had contacted the leaders of the two countries, Farhan Haq said he was traveling and was now in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, to attend the Gaza Peace Summit, and would do so upon his return to New York.
Porcelain
China said it was very concerned about the latest clashes. “China is willing to continue playing a constructive role in improving and developing relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said during a regular press briefing in Beijing on Monday.
Russia
Russia has been following with concern reports of border clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan, and has called on Kabul and Islamabad to exercise restraint, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Monday.
“According to the information received, the situation is stabilizing. We welcome this process,” he added in a statement.
(With additional contributions from agencies)
