Former US Ambassador to Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad, has raised concerns regarding Pakistan’s Defense Minister’s recent statement on the failure of diplomatic endeavors with Afghanistan. Khalilzad urged Pakistani lawmakers to press for more transparency from their government on the assurances sought from Afghanistan and why Kabul’s responses were deemed insufficient. The strained relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan have mainly revolved around mutual security challenges, with accusations from both sides about harboring militant groups.
Tensions have escalated as Pakistan accuses Afghanistan of sheltering Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), while the Taliban alleges Pakistan’s support for groups hostile to Afghanistan. Pakistan’s Defense Minister, Khawaja Asif, stated that diplomatic engagements with Afghanistan faltered due to inadequate assurances from the Taliban regarding Pakistan’s security concerns. Khalilzad emphasized the need for clarity on the specific demands made by Pakistan and why Afghanistan’s responses were deemed lacking.
Khalilzad also sought clarification from the Taliban regarding Asif’s remarks on bilateral talks. Afghan officials have shown willingness to provide written guarantees and engage in third-party verification mechanisms. They highlighted Afghanistan’s cooperation on security matters through mechanisms like the Joint Coordination Committee (JCC). Additionally, Afghan authorities have taken tangible steps against individuals and groups violating policies against cross-border threats.
The former US Ambassador urged Pakistani representatives to intensify efforts towards diplomatic resolutions with Afghanistan. He called for negotiations to ensure that neither country allows its territory to be used for threatening the other’s security. Khalilzad questioned Pakistan’s stance on failed diplomacy, emphasizing the need for Islamabad to address specific concerns with Afghanistan’s proposals. He stressed the importance of transparency for the people and parliament of Pakistan in understanding the issues at hand.
