The Afghan interim government’s spokesperson, Abdul Qahar Balkhi, has stirred controversy with his recent remarks on Pakistan’s current political situation.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Balkhi expressed "serious concerns" over the escalating tension between Pakistan's government and opposition parties, warning that if the situation continues, it could have adverse effects on the entire region.
In his post, Balkhi stated, “The tension between the Pakistani government and political opponents has reached dangerous levels. If this continues, it could negatively impact the entire region.”
However, many view this statement as inappropriate and out of context, with critics pointing out that it amounts to interference in Pakistan's internal affairs.
Observers in Pakistan have been quick to dismiss the comments, emphasising that Afghanistan’s interim government should prioritise addressing its own governance issues rather than commenting on neighboring countries.
“Instead of meddling in Pakistan’s internal matters, it would be wise for the Afghan government to focus on stabilizing Afghanistan and addressing its own governance challenges,” said a senior political analyst. Afghanistan has been grappling with severe issues such as the lack of basic rights for its citizens, economic collapse, and the presence of terrorist safe havens, which are seen as far more dangerous than Pakistan’s political situation.
The Afghan government has been criticized for failing to provide essential services to its people and curbing rising terrorism and extremist threats within its borders. These domestic issues are considered to be much more destabilizing for regional peace and security than Pakistan’s internal political dynamics.
The recent arrest of 120 Afghan nationals in Islamabad on charges of attacking police and disrupting public order has further highlighted the pressing issues Afghanistan faces. "Before making such statements, the Afghan spokesperson might want to ensure that their own citizens are not contributing to instability in neighboring countries," a Pakistani official remarked.
Afghanistan’s interim government, under intense pressure to resolve internal strife and growing extremism, has been urged to focus on its domestic problems.
Many were of the view that addressing these internal failures will not only benefit the Afghan people but also contribute to the stability of the region as a whole.
