KABUL, May 20: Afghanistan’s foreign minister has said Pakistan’s policy of “appeasing” the Taliban is dangerous, reiterating concerns that peace talks between Islamabad and militants would see more cross-border attacks.

Pakistan’s government is in negotiations with Taliban militants along its tribal belt, from where Afghan and Western officials allege the insurgents plot and organise attacks in Afghanistan including against foreign troops.

“Anyone thinking that they are able to reach peace in the region through what we call an appeasement policy — we consider it is a wrong and dangerous policy,” Afghan Foreign Minister Rangeen Dadfar Spanta told reporters.

A peace deal with the Pakistani Taliban in 2006 reportedly led to a spike in violence across the border.

Describing the 2006 deal as bad for Afghanistan, Spanta said the government was “extremely and infinitely concerned” about Islamabad’s moves, which officials in Pakistan say have seen troops redeployed in the tribal zone.

He cited media reports as saying the Taliban wanted peace in Pakistan so they would be able to continue jihad in Afghanistan.

“As the victim of terrorism, we have the right to say we’re concerned,” the minister said, adding Kabul had spoken of its fears with Islamabad and Washington.—AFP

Opinion

Editorial

Lack of direction
Updated 12 Jun, 2025

Lack of direction

Few believe that a govt desperate to grow the economy can actually pull it off, as the dynamism required is not visible.
Taxing e-commerce
12 Jun, 2025

Taxing e-commerce

FOR the first time, the government has the digital economy in its crosshairs. With a slew of new measures proposed ...
Kashmir mediation
12 Jun, 2025

Kashmir mediation

ONE of the noteworthy outcomes of last month’s limited clashes between Pakistan and India is that the Kashmir ...
Ambitious goals
Updated 11 Jun, 2025

Ambitious goals

There is not much in the budget to give hope for such a structural shift
Battlefield LA
11 Jun, 2025

Battlefield LA

THE disturbing scenes emerging from Los Angeles, one of America’s richest cities, resemble the chaotic events ...
Road to stardom
Updated 11 Jun, 2025

Road to stardom

Sana has earned her place for not just her achievements on the pitch but also her role off it.