ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (FO) of Pakistan has firmly rejected recent comments by Afghan interim government spokesperson Abdul Qahar Balkhi regarding Pakistan’s political situation, labeling them as “frivolous” and unwarranted interference in internal matters.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Balkhi expressed “serious concerns” about the escalating tensions between Pakistan’s government and opposition parties, warning that ongoing discord could adversely affect the entire region. He stated, “The tension between the Pakistani government and political opponents has reached dangerous levels. If this continues, it could negatively impact the entire region.”
However, many in Pakistan have condemned this statement as inappropriate and out of context, viewing it as an intrusion into Pakistan’s domestic affairs. Analysts have underscored that the Afghan government should prioritize its own governance challenges rather than comment on neighboring countries.
“Instead of meddling in Pakistan’s internal matters, the Afghan government should focus on stabilizing Afghanistan and addressing its own significant governance issues,” said a senior political analyst. Afghanistan currently grapples with severe challenges, including a lack of basic rights for its citizens, economic collapse, and the persistence of terrorist safe havens—issues deemed far more pressing than Pakistan’s political dynamics.
Criticism of the Afghan government has intensified due to its failure to provide essential services and curb rising terrorism and extremist threats within its borders. These domestic challenges are viewed as far more destabilizing for regional peace than the political situation in Pakistan.
The recent arrest of 120 Afghan nationals in Islamabad, accused of attacking police and disrupting public order, further underscores the pressing issues Afghanistan faces. A Pakistani official remarked, “Before making such statements, the Afghan spokesperson should consider whether their own citizens are contributing to instability in neighboring countries.”
Amid mounting pressure to resolve internal strife and combat growing extremism, Afghanistan’s interim government is urged to concentrate on its domestic problems. Many believe that addressing these internal failures will not only benefit the Afghan populace but also enhance stability in the broader region
