Pakistan Denies Khalilzad’s Allegations of Arming Afghans Against Taliban

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Information Ministry has firmly rejected former US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad’s allegations that the country is arming Afghan groups to combat the Taliban. The ministry labeled these claims as ‘baseless and misleading’ in a statement released on Saturday.

Khalilzad, who served as the US special representative to Afghanistan during the Trump administration, had asserted that Pakistan was ‘recruiting Afghans to fight against anti-Pakistan insurgents.’ In response, the ministry’s fact-check, shared on social media platform X, criticized Khalilzad for perpetuating what it described as ‘speculative narratives’ that serve his personal agenda to support the Taliban regime.

The ministry emphasized that Khalilzad’s remarks misrepresent Pakistan’s legitimate counterterrorism efforts against terrorist organizations operating from within Taliban-controlled areas. This response underscores the ongoing tensions between Pakistan and the US regarding the situation in Afghanistan and the broader implications for regional security.

Looking ahead, analysts suggest that this exchange may further strain diplomatic relations between Islamabad and Washington. As both countries navigate their complex relationship, the Pakistani government is expected to continue its counterterrorism operations while addressing international concerns about security and stability in Afghanistan.