Taliban deputy chief minister urges respect for borders amid tensions with Pakistan

Taliban deputy chief minister Abdul Ghani Baradar on Sunday urged countries to respect each other’s sovereignty and avoid policies that fuel regional instability, as tensions between Pakistan and the Taliban remain high.

Speaking at a graduation ceremony for Taliban security forces in Kabul, Baradar did not name any country but said long-term political and economic interests required states to respect “sensitive values and boundaries” and refrain from actions that increase regional tensions.

“The Islamic Emirate believes in regional and global engagement within an economy-focused policy framework and is committed to cooperation with all countries based on its principles,” Baradar said.

He added that Afghanistan posed no threat to others and would not accept threats in return, using a metaphor often repeated by Taliban officials: “Afghanistan is not an easy target, but a bitter tree that is difficult for ‘infants’ to digest.”

Baradar also outlined economic plans, saying the Taliban administration would soon offer full tax exemptions of one to five years for domestic and foreign investors based on the scale of investment in new sectors.

His remarks came after a suicide bombing on Friday at a Shia mosque on the outskirts of Pakistan’s capital Islamabad, which killed at least 36 people. Pakistani officials, including President Asif Ali Zardari and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, have in recent days accused Afghanistan of serving as a safe haven for militant groups threatening regional and global security.

Pakistan’s interior minister reiterated the claim on Saturday, while the head of Pakistan’s Council of Islamic Scholars warned that the Pakistani military could take action if the Taliban failed to curb militant groups operating from Afghan territory.

The Taliban have rejected the accusations, saying Afghanistan’s soil would not be used against other countries.