Taliban Foreign Minister Says Group Facing Imposed War

Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi said Pakistan’s recent strikes were an unjust violation of Afghanistan’s sovereignty during a meeting with foreign diplomats in Kabul.

Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi said Pakistan’s recent strikes were an unjust violation of Afghanistan’s sovereignty during a meeting with foreign diplomats in Kabul.
Muttaqi said the Taliban administration was facing what he described as an imposed war and had acted cautiously in defensive operations.
Zia Ahmad Takal, head of public relations at the Taliban foreign ministry, posted a video on X on Monday showing Muttaqi attending a joint iftar with ambassadors and foreign diplomats based in Kabul, along with representatives of the United Nations, the European Union and several international organisations.
Muttaqi said the Taliban administration remained committed to resolving issues through understanding, dialogue and mutual respect but considered defending Afghan territory against any aggression a legitimate right.
He said Pakistan had carried out bombardments in areas including the provinces of Nangarhar, Paktia, Paktika, Kandahar, Khost, Kunar, Laghman, Parwan, Nuristan and Kabul.
Muttaqi said Pakistan had cited Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan to justify the strikes but argued that the group had existed in Pakistan for years and had its own causes and background.
He also said Pakistani generals were choosing confrontation and force rather than seeking solutions through dialogue and warned their actions risked undermining regional security.
Military clashes between Taliban forces and Pakistan entered their 12th day on Monday, March 9, following what the Taliban described as retaliatory cross-border attacks.
Pakistani officials have rejected any negotiations or ceasefire agreement.