Haqqani warns Pakistan: Will defend its sovereignty ‘at any cost’

Afghanistan's Acting Minister of Interior, Khalifa Sirajuddin Haqqani, has issued a stern warning to Pakistan, saying that while Kabul continues to favour diplomacy and dialogue, it will not tolerate violations of its sovereignty or interference in its internal affairs.

- ABHINANDAN MISHRA

In an address in Kabul on Thursday, Haqqani acknowledged that Afghanistan, like any other country, faces domestic challenges. Yet, he said, the Afghan nation remains united in the defence of its independence. “The people of Afghanistan may have internal prob lems,” he remarked, “but they stand united against any foreign invader. The defence of our territory is among our top priorities. We do not seek confrontation with anyone, but if aggression is committed against us, we have stood against the emperors of the world — and it is not dif ficult for us to defend our land.”

Haqqani's comments come amid heightened tensions along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, where each side has accused the other of cross-border violations and of harbouring terrorist groups.

The statement by the powerful Haqqani came even as talks between the two sides resumed in Istanbul after collapsing on 28 October.