The Taliban’s recent accusations against Pakistan regarding American drone flights into Afghan airspace are yet another attempt to malign Islamabad without evidence. In an interview with an Iranian media outlet, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed that American drones continue to enter Afghan skies through “some neighbouring countries,” implying Pakistani complicity. He offered no concrete details or proof of which neighbouring country was involved.
A US Department of Defence official, asked about the Taliban’s claims, stated bluntly: “We have nothing to offer on this matter.” This underscores the lack of any substantiated evidence behind Taliban accusations.
Before 2021, Afghanistan’s air traffic control relied heavily on foreign assistance and NATO coordination. Since the Taliban’s return to power, the issue of drones in Afghan airspace has remained contentious. However, the Taliban’s repeated attempts to shift blame onto Pakistan cannot obscure the larger reality: Afghanistan has become a regional and global hub for terrorism.
By making false claims, the Taliban aim to deflect international scrutiny and pressure, but such tactics are unlikely to succeed. Pakistan and the international community recognise that the country now serves as a base for terror networks, with the Taliban openly sponsoring and exporting terror both regionally and worldwide. Attempts to mislead the world through blame-gaming cannot conceal Afghanistan’s deepening role in global militancy.
