Addressing questions about the escalating tensions along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border and Islamabad’s attempt to hold New Delhi responsible, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Thursday that Pakistan’s tendency to shift blame onto its neighbours is nothing new. The ministry noted that this pattern reflects Islamabad’s failure to address its internal issues, particularly its continued sheltering and support of terrorism.
Fighting has broken out twice in a week between Afghan and Pakistani forces following Islamabad’s accusation that Kabul is providing safe havens to terrorist groups. Pakistan has, in turn, hinted that India is somehow behind these developments, a claim New Delhi has firmly rejected.
Responding to media questions, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that Pakistan’s association with terrorism is well documented. He outlined three clear points: first, Pakistan continues to host terrorist organisations and promote cross-border militancy; second, blaming neighbours for domestic shortcomings has long been part of its political playbook; and third, Pakistan’s frustration stems from Afghanistan asserting control over its own territory.
Jaiswal reaffirmed India’s unwavering support for Afghanistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence, emphasizing that New Delhi’s stance remains rooted in regional peace and stability.
Reports indicate that dozens of soldiers and civilians have lost their lives in the renewed clashes along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border since Tuesday night. Following the violence, both countries agreed to a 48-hour ceasefire, with each side claiming the truce was proposed by the other.
These confrontations followed earlier hostilities over the weekend, when Afghanistan launched retaliatory strikes on Pakistani positions in response to an attack in Kabul that Afghan officials blamed on Pakistan. The repeated outbreaks of violence have once again highlighted the fragile relations between the two nations and Islamabad’s ongoing efforts to deflect accountability by pointing fingers elsewhere.
