The Afghan Taliban has once again assured Pakistan that its soil would not be used against any other country.
The reiteration of this commitment was conveyed during a meeting held in Kabul between a top diplomat of the Taliban government and Pakistan’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, Asif Durrani.
According to a statement issued by the Afghan foreign ministry, the bilateral huddle took place on Wednesday.
Pakistan has not released an official statement regarding the meeting.
Taliban government’s leading diplomat, Muttaqi, extended congratulations to Asif Durrani for assuming his office as Pakistan’s Special Representative for Afghanistan.
Muttaqi expressed hope that Durrani’s appointment would pave the way for further development in the political and economic relations between the two neighboring countries.
“With ensured security in Afghanistan, a good opportunity has come up to strengthen the economy of the two countries, commence major projects, and increase trade,” he added.
“Afghans will never harm anyone; we will allow none to use our soil against another country; and our efforts will always be directed at working for regional security and stability,” the Afghan foreign ministry quoted Muttaqi.
The Afghan foreign ministry said that the Pakistani envoy congratulated the Afghan Taliban “for the overall stability and security following a four-decade war and problems”.
“My efforts will be aimed at enhancing relations between the two countries; our countries have progress in the field of business that is appreciable; regional security is to everyone’s benefit; and we will cooperate in the security sector,” Durrani was quoted as saying.
The envoy also assured Muttaqi that Pakistan is “ready to develop bilateral political, economic, and other mechanisms”.
“We will pay serious attention to completing the remaining work of Torkham-Jalalabad road; and that visa facility will be provided for Afghans, particularly for medical patients,” Durrani added.
The comments came after the top military brass of Pakistan expressed concern over sanctuaries and operational freedom available to proscribed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in Afghanistan.
