“Apart from Pakistan, We Share Borders with Five Friendly Neighbors”, Says Afghan Minister on India Visit”

During his India visit, Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi commented on the ongoing Afghanistan-Pakistan clashes, stressing that Afghanistan maintains positive ties with all neighbors except Pakistan.

Afghan Minister’s India Visit and Key Announcements

Taliban’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi is on a visit to India from October 9 to 16. His trip is seen as an important step in boosting bilateral relations and trade. During his visit, Muttaqi emphasized that India-Afghanistan trade would be expanded. He also announced the launch of a new flight route between Amritsar and Kabul.

Focus on Trade and Diplomatic Growth

Speaking about the visit, Muttaqi said, “We hope our meetings will positively influence India-Afghanistan relations. Our trade with India exceeds one billion dollars. It’s encouraging that the government and the Prime Minister decided to upgrade the Kabul technical mission to embassy level. Afghanistan has countless opportunities for cooperation.”

Afghanistan’s Peace and International Engagement

Muttaqi further added, “For the first time in 45 years, Afghanistan enjoys remarkable peace. Because of this stability, diplomats from across the world are coming to Kabul. Everyone is happy.”

Muttaqi’s Message to Pakistan on Peace

Commenting on the rising tensions with Pakistan, the Afghan Foreign Minister stated that Afghanistan desires peace, not war. “We have five neighboring countries besides Pakistan, and they all share friendly relations with us. We seek harmony, not conflict,” he said.

Seven-Hour Border Battle between Pakistan and Afghanistan

The recent violence traces back to a long-standing border dispute. The two nations are divided by the 2,460-kilometer Durand Line, established during British rule, which Afghanistan still refuses to recognize. Since the Taliban took power, terrorist infiltration along this border has increased, prompting Pakistan to launch frequent strikes — often violating Afghan airspace.

Drone Strikes Escalate Conflict

On Saturday night, Pakistan carried out drone strikes targeting 27 militants hiding in border areas. The Taliban retaliated by attacking Pakistani checkpoints, seeing it as aggression. In response, Pakistan launched artillery and air raids on Afghan posts across Helmand, Kandahar, Khost, Paktia, and Paktika provinces.

Pakistan claims it killed 200 Taliban fighters while losing 23 of its own soldiers. The Taliban denied this, asserting they eliminated 58 Pakistani troops instead.