Taliban Deputy PM Warns Against Interference, Hints At Retaliatory Measures

Abdul Salam Hanafi, the Deputy Prime Minister of the Taliban, has cautioned against foreign interference in Afghanistan’s internal affairs, warning that any hostile actions would be met with a response.

Speaking at a meeting in Kabul, Hanafi stated that regional tensions are not in the interest of neighbouring countries and emphasised that the Taliban supports peaceful diplomacy.

“If they interfere in our internal affairs, we also have the right to defend ourselves,” he declared, stressing that mutual respect and good relations are beneficial for all regional nations.

While Hanafi did not explicitly name any country, his remarks come amid growing tensions between the Taliban government and Pakistan.

Islamabad has accused the Afghan Taliban of harbouring Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants, a claim the Taliban has consistently denied.

Meanwhile, reports suggest that Pakistani officials are considering military operations inside Afghanistan, following earlier warnings that they would take direct action if cross-border attacks persisted. The deteriorating relationship between the two sides has heightened regional security concerns.

Since the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan, Pakistan has experienced a significant surge in security incidents.

According to the Pakistan Institute for Peace Studies, the country recorded 521 terrorist attacks in 2024, marking a 70% increase from the previous year. These attacks have resulted in at least 2,000 casualties, further escalating tensions between Islamabad and Kabul.