Taliban rejects Pakistan's 'proxy war for India' claim
What's the story
The Taliban government of Afghanistan has rejected Pakistan's allegations of fighting a "proxy war" with Islamabad on behalf of India. The denial comes after Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Asif claimed that Afghanistan's Taliban government is "fighting a proxy war" on behalf of India in an interview with local media. Afghanistan and Pakistan last week agreed to a ceasefire after weeks of clashes that left dozens dead on both sides. The ceasefire was brokered by Qatar and Türkiye.
Rebuttal statement
Afghan defense minister calls accusations 'groundless'
Afghanistan's Defense Minister Mawlawi Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid called Pakistan's allegations "baseless" and "illogical." "Afghanistan has never allowed its territory to be used against any other country. We are an independent nation and our relations with India and Pakistan are guided solely by national interest," he said. "These accusations are groundless," he said in an interview with Al Jazeera. Mujahid is the son of the Taliban founder, the late Mullah Omar.
Rising tensions
Tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan
Tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan escalated after explosions in Kabul on October 9, which Afghanistan blamed on Pakistan. In retaliation, Afghanistan launched a border offensive on October 11-12. This led to further clashes, and an initial ceasefire was declared on October 15. However, fresh Pakistani strikes hit Afghanistan on October 17, targeting groups allegedly sheltered by the Taliban.
Peace negotiations
Ceasefire brokered by Qatar, Türkiye
After the escalation, a second ceasefire was agreed upon on October 19. The ceasefire deal was reached after peace talks in Doha, Qatar. The details of the mechanisms to consolidate lasting peace have not been disclosed yet. Qatar's foreign ministry, without revealing details, said the ceasefire deal provides for "the establishment of mechanisms to consolidate lasting peace."