Afghan Interior Minister signals reconciliation with Pakistan

KABUL: In a conciliatory message to Pakistan, the Taliban interim government’s Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani has said that his country is not a threat to any state and is ready to resolve misunderstandings.

Addressing the graduation ceremony of the Kabul Police Academy, Sirajuddin Haqqani announced that the doors to negotiations are open.

According to Afghan state media reports, he said that his government continues to abide by the promises made under the Doha Agreement and that Afghanistan’s soil is not being allowed to be used against any country.

However, despite past promises and assurances made in the Doha Agreement, cross-border infiltration and militant attacks in Pakistan continue.

Sirajuddin Haqqani said that Afghanistan is not a threat to any country or region and the Taliban leadership is continuing its efforts to find a reasonable and lasting solution to end mistrust and misunderstandings with the international community.

He said that the door to negotiations has not been closed to resolve the current issues.

Although Sirajuddin Haqqani did not mention Pakistan by name, he was apparently referring to Pakistan’s long-standing demand that Kabul rein in the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan.

Relations between the two neighbors have been strained following border clashes, which have resulted in the closure of the border between the two countries since October 11, 2025.

Attempts by Turkey and the United Arab Emirates to broker a settlement between the parties have also failed, while Pakistan alleges that Afghanistan has refused to provide a written assurance to control the TTP, whose fighters it says have been entering Pakistan through the 2,600-kilometer-long unprotected border and carrying out attacks.

Sirajuddin Haqqani’s statements are significant in that the TTP has pledged allegiance to him and has long been active in areas of Afghanistan that have been under his control.