At Intl Conference, China Optimistic, Pakistan Critical of Afghanistan

A representatives of China said that positive changes have been experienced in Afghanistan following the Islamic Emirate’s return to power.

Speaking at the “Pakistan in the Emerging Geopolitical Landscape” international conference hosted by Islamabad Institute of Strategic Studies, the Chinese representative said that the “Taliban” have created an atmosphere of trust and brotherhood in bilateral and multilateral relations by establishing sovereignty and independence in Afghanistan.

Yi Hailin said, “The return of the Taliban to power has brought about positive changes, and initially, the withdrawal of foreign forces opened a new door for achieving true independence and autonomy in Afghanistan. Sovereignty and integrity in Afghanistan have created a space for brotherhood in cooperation in bilateral and multilateral relations.”

On the other hand, Asif Ali Durani, Pakistan’s special representative for Afghanistan at this meeting once again criticized the presence of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in Afghanistan. He claimed that most TTP members plan their attacks on Pakistani soil from Afghanistan.

Asif Ali Durani emphasized that after the withdrawal of foreign forces from Afghanistan, it was assumed that peace in Afghanistan would lead to regional peace, but such expectations were short-lived.

“The increase in attacks by the Pakistani Taliban in Pakistan is worrying, especially as Afghan soil is being used to conduct these attacks. Another concerning aspect for us is the involvement of Afghan nationals in these attacks,” Durani said.

“Pakistan must ensure its own security. Through which routes does the TTP go to Afghanistan and return to Pakistan? They have even installed barbed wire,” said Aziz Maarij, a political analyst.

Although the Islamic Emirate has not commented on the Pakistani envoy’s remarks yet, Kabul has repeatedly emphasized that the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan does not exist in Afghanistan and that Kabul does not allow its soil to be used against other countries.