Afghanistan denies girls' education ban, non-Use of Soil Against Pakistan

Islamabad: Afghanistan's interim Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, on Monday categorically stated that his country would not allow its soil to be used against Pakistan.

He made the statement during a ceremony held in Islamabad on Monday, where he rejected the propaganda surrounding the presence of terrorist groups in Afghanistan as baseless. Muttaqi also expressed his desire to increase partnership with Pakistan.

During his address, Muttaqi denied that Afghanistan had declared girls’ education un-Islamic and banned it, saying, "We never said that girls’ education is un-Islamic or that we will ban it.  Pakistan and Afghanistan will have to show flexibility to solve problems. Both countries have to move towards a bright future together. Joint investments will have to be made in rail, road, corridor projects."

The Afghan Foreign Minister also reiterated that his country had fulfilled its responsibility regarding the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a militant group that has carried out several deadly attacks in Pakistan. "We facilitated the meeting between Pakistan and the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan. We want peace in Pakistan at every cost," he commented. He also stated that the Afghan territory will not be allowed to be used against any country, including Pakistan.

Muttaqi further stated that the interim government had made significant achievements, which were being recognized by the international community. He pointed out that despite international sanctions, Afghanistan's imports and exports had reached $6.8 billion. However, he admitted that their economy, like the rest of the world, was also under pressure, as the dollar rate had reached 130 in their local currency.

The Afghan Foreign Minister emphasized the need for both countries to work together towards a brighter future. He called for joint investments in rail, road, and corridor projects to enhance connectivity between the two countries. Muttaqi concluded by reiterating his commitment to ensuring peace and stability in the region.

The visit of the Afghan Foreign Minister to Islamabad has come at a crucial time, as both countries are working towards peace and stability in the region. The two countries have been engaged in talks to find a solution to the Afghan conflict, which has affected the region for decades. With the assurance from the Afghan side that their territory will not be used against Pakistan, it is hoped that this will pave the way for better relations between the two countries, leading to peace and prosperity in the region.