In an interview with the BBC, Muttaqi claimed that Afghanistan had never attacked Pakistan, blocked its roads or disrupted Pakistan’s transit trade.
He accused Pakistan of restricting movement, carrying out attacks inside Afghanistan and raising objections against Kabul at the international level.
Muttaqi said Pakistan should explain its concerns and clarify why relations between the two neighbouring countries had reached their current state.
Addressing Pakistan’s concerns over militant groups operating from Afghan territory, Muttaqi acknowledged that Islamabad considers these groups a threat to its security. However, he claimed that the Afghan government had taken the necessary steps on its side to address the issue.
Referring to Baloch militant groups, Muttaqi said they had been opposing the Pakistani government for 78 years, while the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) had been active against Pakistan for more than two decades.
He claimed that the Afghan government had taken greater measures than in the past to improve border monitoring and control.
The Afghan foreign minister also said Pakistan was facing internal challenges, including what he described as an imbalance in the distribution of power within the country.
Muttaqi rejected the perception that the Taliban government was unwilling to engage in negotiations or political reconciliation.
He claimed that the current Afghan government enjoys support across the country and maintains diplomatic relations with several nations.
Women’s Education and Employment
Muttaqi also discussed restrictions on women’s education and employment in Afghanistan.
He said education for girls above the sixth grade remains suspended for now, adding that a decision on the issue would be made at a later stage. He said girls continue to receive education in religious seminaries.
The Afghan foreign minister also criticised Iran for inviting opponents of the Afghan government to the funeral prayer of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
He said the Afghan government had formally protested the matter to Iranian officials.
Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have increased since October last year, with both countries repeatedly accusing each other of cross-border attacks.
Pakistan maintains that Afghan territory is being used by armed groups hostile to Pakistan, while the Afghan Taliban government denies the allegation.
