Afghan Taliban Issues Warning Amidst India-Pakistan Tensions

The Afghan Taliban government cautioned India and Pakistan on Wednesday about the dangers of further escalation, stating that conflict does not serve regional interests. This followed exchanges of artillery fire along their disputed border.

In a statement released on X, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged both nations to practice restraint and emphasized the importance of resolving conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy.

Islamabad reported that 26 civilians had died due to Indian strikes and border shootings, while New Delhi claimed that at least 12 individuals were killed by artillery fire from Pakistan.

Relations between the Taliban government and Pakistan have become increasingly strained due to security concerns and a deportation campaign by Islamabad, which has reportedly expelled tens of thousands of Afghans since early April.

Since regaining power in Kabul in the summer of 2021, the Taliban has fostered a relationship with New Delhi, although it has not formally recognized the Indian government.

This latest surge in violence follows accusations from New Delhi that Pakistan was behind a series of deadly attacks targeting civilians in Kashmir on April 22, which resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals.