Exclusive: Taliban Cautions Pakistan Against Military Action, Seeks Saudi Mediation

Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid has warned Pakistan against conducting military operations inside Afghanistan, saying Kabul would respond if Islamabad violates Afghan sovereignty. He also rejected Pakistan’s allegations that Afghan territory is being used by militant groups to launch attacks across the border.

In an exclusive interview with Al Arabiya English, Mujahid said Afghanistan has the right to defend itself if Pakistan invokes Article 51 to justify strikes on Afghan territory.

“If Pakistan invokes Article 51 to violate the sanctity of Afghan territory, Afghanistan has the right to defend its country, and we will do so,” he said, warning that any violation would face a “crushing response.”

Mujahid was responding to allegations made in an earlier Al Arabiya English interview by Pakistan’s army spokesperson, who claimed Afghan territory was being used to recruit, train and arm militants responsible for attacks inside Pakistan.

Rejecting the allegations, Mujahid said Kabul does not permit the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) to operate from Afghan soil and does not support armed groups targeting other countries. He urged Pakistan to address its security problems internally, arguing that violence involving the TTP and Baloch groups predates the Taliban’s return to power.

Despite the growing tensions, Mujahid said Afghanistan remains committed to dialogue with Pakistan and called for stronger mechanisms for intelligence-sharing and bilateral cooperation.

He also welcomed a greater Saudi role in mediating between Kabul and Islamabad, saying Saudi Arabia is a friend to both countries and could play a “positive role” in resolving their differences.