Afghan Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi said on Oct. 5 that sustained dialogue and diplomacy can resolve tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan. He accused Pakistan's military of prioritizing force over political solutions and of massing "thousands of armed men" near the border. Muttaqi said Kabul does not seek a cycle of mutual accusations but affirmed its right to self-defence. The comments, made in Russia, come amid rising tensions and mutual accusations over militancy.
Taliban FM Says Diplomacy Can Resolve Afghanistan–Pakistan Tensions, Accuses Pakistan Military Of Border Aggression
Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi addresses the media following a meeting of the Moscow Format Consultations on Afghanistan in Moscow, Russia, October 5, 2026. REUTERS/Anastasia Barashkova
KABUL, Oct. 5 — Afghan Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi said on Monday that disputes between Afghanistan and Pakistan can be resolved through sustained dialogue and diplomacy.
Speaking at an event in Russia, Muttaqi accused Pakistan's powerful military of favoring a strictly military approach over efforts to reach a political understanding and alleged it had taken actions in violation of international law.
He said Islamabad had used transit routes, refugees and students as instruments of pressure and had concentrated "thousands of armed men" near the border in a manner that threatened regional stability.
"Afghanistan neither wants this dispute to become a field of mutual accusations and propaganda, nor does it seek new means of prolonging it," Muttaqi said, adding that Kabul retains the legitimate and undeniable right to self-defence against any aggression.
Pakistan's foreign ministry, the military and the Prime Minister's Office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Context
The remarks come amid rising military tensions between the neighbouring countries, which have long accused one another over militancy and cross-border attacks. Islamabad accuses Kabul of harbouring militants who launch attacks inside Pakistan; the Taliban government rejects that charge and characterizes militancy as an internal Pakistani problem.
Observers warn the situation could further escalate unless both sides resume constructive diplomacy and confidence-building measures to address security concerns, refugee flows and border management.
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