Afghanistan’s Acting Minister of Interior, Khalifa Sirajuddin Haqqani, has welcomed recent statements by Pakistani religious leaders and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, describing them as constructive steps toward easing tensions and promoting dialogue between Kabul and Islamabad.
Speaking at a ceremony held to acknowledge the performance of Kabul Municipality and other public institutions, Haqqani said any initiative or statement that contributes to resolving misunderstandings between the two neighbouring countries is viewed positively by the Afghan side.
According to Afghan broadcaster Tolo News, Haqqani specifically referred to comments made a day earlier by Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar regarding Afghanistan, calling them encouraging. He emphasized that expressions of goodwill and fraternity regardless of their source are welcomed by the Islamic Emirate.
Haqqani also highlighted a recent gathering of Pakistani religious scholars, noting statements made by Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman and prominent cleric Mufti Taqi Usmani in support of Afghanistan. He expressed appreciation for their remarks and reiterated that the Islamic Emirate remains committed to regional peace and stability.
“The Afghan people neither pose a threat to anyone nor harbor any hostile intentions,” Haqqani said, adding that Afghanistan’s internal security situation has significantly improved, enabling the country to project a message of peace both domestically and internationally.
He stated that Afghan authorities are actively working to address concerns raised by neighbouring and regional countries and to reassure the international community that Afghan soil will not be used against any state.
The Interior Minister also called on the international community to play a role in Afghanistan’s reconstruction and urged Afghan citizens to support the Islamic Emirate’s efforts toward national development and stability.
The remarks follow a recent press conference in Islamabad where Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s goodwill toward Afghanistan. Dar stated that Islamabad does not wish for Afghan territory to be used against Pakistan and welcomed a declaration issued by Afghan religious scholars stressing that Afghanistan’s soil should not be exploited for hostile activities against other countries.
Observers see the exchange of conciliatory messages as a rare but notable moment of diplomatic signaling, suggesting cautious efforts by both sides to reduce friction and explore avenues for engagement amid ongoing security and political challenges.
