Pakistan’s Civilian Government Wants Ties, But Military Blocks Progress: Taliban Spokesperson

November 2, 2025

Quetta: Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid on Sunday accused Pakistan’s military of obstructing efforts by the civilian government to build constructive relations with Afghanistan, saying that certain elements within the Pakistan Army were working to damage bilateral ties.

Pakistan’s Military Accused of Undermining Diplomacy

Speaking to Khyber TV, Mujahid said that Pakistan’s special envoy for Afghanistan, Sadiq Khan, had recently visited Kabul and held “positive talks” with Afghan officials.

However, he alleged that during the same period, Pakistan carried out attacks on Afghan soil, undermining diplomatic progress.

“The civilian government seeks to build relations, but the military damages them,” Mujahid said, according to Afghanistan-based Tolo News.

Cross-Border Tensions and Trade Disruptions

He noted that traders from both countries were suffering losses due to Pakistan’s closure of crossings along the Durand Line, calling for trade and humanitarian matters to be kept separate from politics.

Mujahid recalled that relations between Islamabad and Kabul were better during Imran Khan’s tenure as Pakistan’s Prime Minister, implying that military interference has worsened ties since then.

Call for Intelligence Sharing

The Taliban spokesperson urged Pakistan to share information about terrorist activities allegedly originating from Afghan territory so that the Taliban government could take appropriate action.

“The Pakistani side wants us also to prevent incidents happening inside Pakistan, but that is beyond our control,” he said. “The Islamic Emirate does not want insecurity in Pakistan and remains committed to ensuring that no threat arises from Afghan territory.”

Talks and Escalating Border Tensions

Mujahid’s comments come amid rising tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, following cross-border operations by Pakistani forces and the failure of recent bilateral talks held in Turkey.

He expressed hope that the next round of talks scheduled for November 5 would involve “honest and substantive discussions” to resolve ongoing disputes.

Dispute Over Kunar River Dam Project

Responding to Pakistan’s concerns about reports of a dam being built on the Kunar River, Mujahid insisted that Afghanistan has every right to develop its own resources.

“If a dam is built on the Kunar River, it won’t harm Pakistan. The water will continue to flow in its natural direction; it will just be used along the way,” he said.

In October, Taliban Deputy Information Minister Muhajer Farahi had announced that Taliban Supreme Leader Mawlawi Hibatullah Akhundzada had ordered the construction of dams on the Kunar River “as soon as possible”, using domestic companies rather than waiting for foreign partnerships.