Pakistan faces humiliation after Afghanistan rejects visas of top leaders amid deadly border clashes

In a big embarrassment for Pakistan, Afghanistan has reportedly rejected visa requests of four top Pakistani officials; including Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and ISI chief Asim Malik. According to TOLO news, their visas were denied three times over the last three days.

 

 

The rejection comes just days after heavy fighting broke out on the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. Gunfire and artillery shelling lasted for long hours over the weekend, leaving dozens dead on both sides.

 

 

 

 

Pakistan admitted that 23 of its soldiers were killed and over 200 Taliban fighters lost their lives while the Taliban claimed it had killed 58 Pakistani troops in retaliatory strikes and nine Taliban fighters were also killed.

 

 

This is the most serious confrontation between the two countries since the Taliban took power in 2021. Though the exchange of fire has stopped for now, tensions remain high.

 

 

The clash erupted after Pakistan carried out an air strike on Kabul last week, targeting the head of the Pakistani Taliban. The Taliban said its attack was a direct response to Pakistan’s `violation of Afghan airspace.’

 

 

Islamabad has repeatedly blamed the Taliban government for giving safe haven to terrorists who launch attacks inside Pakistan. But Kabul has denied these claims, saying its territory is not being used against neighbouring countries. Hitting back, Afghan authorities have in turn accused Pakistan of protecting ISIS-K members and have demanded their immediate extradition.

 

 

During his visit to India, Amir Khan Muttaqi said that Afghanistan’s military operation had achieved its goals. He mentioned that countries like Qatar and Saudi Arabia urged both sides to stop the fighting and the war has now come to a halt. Speaking to reporters in New Delhi, he added that Afghanistan does not want conflict with anyone and enjoys good relations with its other neighbours. He also said that war is not the answer and dialogue is the only way to solve problems.