Afghan Taliban arrest officials who removed Pakistan's flag from aid truck

Published
102
This image shows the Pakistan flag mounted on an aid truck carrying necessary food items. — Photo courtesy: Twitter
This image shows the Pakistan flag mounted on an aid truck carrying necessary food items. — Photo courtesy: Twitter

The Taliban have decided to take action against officials who removed Pakistan's flag from an aid truck that arrived in Afghanistan via the Torkham border carrying necessary food items.

On Sunday, Pakistan had donated food items — loaded in 17 container trucks — on humanitarian grounds to the newly-formed Taliban government in Afghanistan.

Speaking on the occasion, Pak-Afghan Cooperation Forum Chairman Habibullah Khan had said that the goodwill gesture from Pakistan was made at a time when the war-stricken and impoverished people of Afghanistan direly needed such assistance.

However, a video emerged on social media of Taliban officials removing a Pakistan flag attached to the side of a truck.

In the video, which shows normal citizens and Taliban fighters, people are heard saying to "rip" the flag. Loud cheers and chants are heard as the flag is removed while a Taliban fighter says it should be "burned".

In response to the video, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said in a statement that the entire cabinet of the Islamic Emirate was "saddened" by the incident.

"Surely, this incident must have hurt the sentiments of our neighbouring country for which we apologise," he said, adding that the group wanted "good relations" with Pakistan.

He stated that the officials involved in the incident were arrested and their weapons had been seized. He said that they will be dealt with according to the law.

Opinion

Editorial

Restructuring plans
Updated 10 Nov, 2026

Restructuring plans

It would be a much wiser move, politically speaking, to take up any debate on administrative restructuring again after the next general election.
Extreme heat
10 Nov, 2026

Extreme heat

CLIMATE change is already taking its toll on Pakistan’s farm sector. Crop yields are falling, livestock productivity...
Israel power struggle
10 Nov, 2026

Israel power struggle

A POWER struggle is emerging after last month’s elections in Israel resulted in no party securing the requisite...
Antalya agenda
Updated 09 Nov, 2026

Antalya agenda

For Pakistan, the priority should be to secure easier access to climate funds, more grants rather than debt-creating loans, and clear deadlines for financial contributions.
Beyond viewership
09 Nov, 2026

Beyond viewership

PAKISTAN has an enormous appetite for online content. According to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, it...
Rabid Modi
Updated 09 Nov, 2026

Rabid Modi

Modi’s silence throughout his reign of fear shows his endorsement of hate.