Pakistan has accused Afghanistan’s ruling Islamic Emirate of attempting to build a border post inside Pakistani territory. Shafqat Ali Khan, Pakistan’s foreign ministry spokesperson, raised the issue during a press conference. His remarks came a week after Pakistan shut down the Torkham crossing, halting trade and travel between the two countries.
Khan urged Afghanistan to address border-related concerns through established diplomatic channels. He suggested using mechanisms such as the Joint Coordination Committee to resolve the dispute. The closure of the Torkham crossing has already affected trade and cross-border movement.
US Weapons in Afghanistan a Concern for Pakistan
Pakistan’s foreign ministry also raised concerns over US military equipment left in Afghanistan. Khan claimed terrorist groups were using these weapons to carry out attacks inside Pakistan. He said Islamabad had repeatedly discussed the issue with American officials.
US President Donald Trump recently called for the return of American military equipment from Afghanistan. However, the Islamic Emirate has refused, stating that the weapons now belong to Afghanistan. Afghan officials have dismissed concerns about their use against other countries.
Uncertainty Over Afghan Refugees in Pakistan
Pakistan has also sought clarity from the US on its policy for resettling Afghan refugees. Many Afghans currently in Pakistan are waiting to relocate to the United States. Khan stated that if a country refused to take back its citizens, they would be considered illegal immigrants.
Pakistani authorities have intensified efforts to deport undocumented Afghans. Thousands of refugees fear deportation as they wait for resettlement in third countries. Human rights organizations have criticized Pakistan’s crackdown on migrants, urging authorities to protect vulnerable refugees.
Strained Relations and Regional Stability
The ongoing border tensions and refugee crisis have worsened Pakistan-Afghanistan relations. Islamabad insists that Afghanistan must respect border agreements and prevent the use of US weapons against Pakistan. The Islamic Emirate has denied any wrongdoing, stating that it remains committed to regional peace.
Pakistan and Afghanistan have had frequent border disputes in recent years. Experts warn that unresolved conflicts could further destabilize the region. Both governments face pressure to engage in diplomatic dialogue to prevent further escalation.
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