Both Pakistan and Afghanistan want positive relations and regional peace, Taliban's Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi said at his second press conference in New Delhi, this time with women journalists in attendance.
Muttaqi's statement came after Afghanistan said on Sunday that it had killed 58 Pakistani soldiers in overnight border operations, in response to what it called repeated violations of its territory and airspace. Pakistan's army gave far lower casualty figures, saying 23 troops were killed.
The minister was responding to NDTV's Gaurie Dwivedi about the border clashes and Afghanistan's earlier remarks over alleged attempts by Pakistan to attack Iran and Russia. Muttaqi said that despite clashes along the border, Afghanistan believes the government and people of Pakistan are peace-loving. "There are certain groups in Pakistan that are trying to stir up unrest. Since it came to protecting our borders, we immediately responded," he said.
Muttaqi added that he was requested by allies Qatar and Saudi Arabia that the situation be defused. He said that the situation along the border is now under control and the doors for negotiation remain open. He asserted that the Taliban brought peace to Afghanistan and wants the same for the entire region.
1st India Visit After Taliban's Takeover Of Afghanistan
Muttaqi landed in New Delhi on Thursday for a six-day visit that will see him participate in high-level talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.
He is the first high-ranking Afghan minister to visit India since the Taliban took over the country four years ago. Delhi does not formally recognise the Taliban administration yet.
His visit comes at a time when both India and Afghanistan have strained ties with Pakistan on concerns over security and terrorism.
1st Press Meet Sparks Controversy
Muttaqi's first press meet in Delhi on Friday sparked a row after NDTV first reported that no women journalists were in attendance. The Opposition termed it as "unacceptable" and an "insult to women".
A day later, the Taliban minister called it a technical issue. "Regarding the press conference, it was organised on short notice. (There was) a short list of journalists who were invited. It was more of a technical issue but there was no other problem. Our colleagues had decided to send the invitation to a specific list of journalists. There were no other intentions other than that," he said.
"We have 10 million students in schools and institutes, including over 2.8 million women and girls. In madrasas, education continues up to graduation. Some limits exist, but we've never declared women's education religiously 'haram', it's only postponed until further order," he added.
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