New Delhi: The Taliban government of Afghanistan has given a strong reply to Pakistan, stating that maintaining good trade and political relations with India is the sovereign right of Afghanistan. "This is our right," said Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Acting Foreign Minister of Afghanistan.He rejected Pakistan's allegations that New Delhi was supporting anti-Pakistan armed groups operating from Afghan soil. Furthermore, he slammed Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for his comments criticizing Muttaqi's visit to Darul Uloom Deoband, the Islamic seminary in Uttar Pradesh.

Speaking to politicians and analysts in Kabul, Muttaqi described Pakistan's accusations as inconsistent and politically motivated.

'Relation with India is Our Right'

Speaking to Kabul-based media, Muttaqi stated that Pakistan has repeatedly shifted its complaints:

"We have remained consistent. (But) Pakistan first accuses us regarding TTP (Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan). We progressed in talks on that. Then they say BLA (Baloch Liberation Army), the Baloch movement. We progressed on that as well. Then they say India's hand is involved."

The Afghan Minister stressed that his country maintains an independent foreign policy. "Our relations with India are political and economic. Our policy is independent; we have the right to engage with anyone," he clarified.

Pakistan Itself Has an Embassy in Delhi!

Muttaqi pointed out that Pakistan itself maintains full diplomatic and trade relations with India despite decades of tension.

"Pakistan itself has an embassy in Delhi. It has trade and relations there. So if they have it, why shouldn't we? This is our right."

Muttaqi emphasized that Afghanistan's relations are not directed against any third party. "Our political relations, whether with India or any other country, are neither against anyone nor harmful to anyone. This is the meaning of our balanced policy. Afghanistan will no longer be a battleground for negative politics or great power rivalries," he said.

Retaliation to Shehbaz Sharif's Criticism

In November 2024, Muttaqi led a delegation to India at India's invitation and held talks with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. During this visit, he also visited the Darul Uloom Deoband seminary. This visit drew criticism from Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.Responding to Sharif's comments, Muttaqi questioned whether such visits violated any norms:

"If you heard, the Pakistani Prime Minister recently expressed sorrow, saying the Afghan Foreign Minister travelled to India and even visited Deoband. Is visiting India or Deoband against international norms? Are trade, economy, politics, and neighbourhood ties prohibited?" Muttaqi questioned.

The Afghan Minister also asserted that they have never insulted Islamabad and respect their ethnic groups and their legitimate demands.Relations between the Taliban administration and Pakistan have remained tense for the last few months after Pakistan conducted airstrikes in Afghanistan. The Taliban administration has reiterated that it will not allow any group to use Afghan soil against its neighbours.

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Taliban Leader's Stern Reply to Pakistan: 'Relation with India is Our Right'

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