Zalmay Khalilzad urges Pakistan and Afghanistan to end militancy tensions

Zalmay Khalilzad, the former U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation, has called for an end to Pakistan’s “double game” regarding its alleged support for militant groups in Afghanistan. In a statement on X, Khalilzad asserted that a significant gap exists between Pakistan’s public statements and its actions, alleging that the country provided sanctuary to militants during the U.S. military presence in Afghanistan.

Khalilzad urged both nations to “turn a new page” by fostering economic cooperation and ensuring neither territory is used to threaten the other’s security. These remarks follow escalating tensions between Islamabad and Kabul. Pakistan accuses the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan of harboring groups like Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), while Afghan officials deny providing sanctuary for attacks against Pakistan.

The dispute has led to military confrontations, including Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan on September 21. While Pakistan reported that the strikes killed 28 militants, Afghan officials and the United Nations reported the deaths of three civilians, including a woman and a girl.