Pakistan military says Kabul ties depend on action against militants

Pakistan’s military spokesperson Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry says relations with Afghanistan can improve if the Taliban government acts against armed groups Islamabad accuses of carrying out attacks inside Pakistan. He also ruled out negotiations with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan.\n\nIn an interview with Arab News, Chaudhry said Pakistan’s dispute was not with the Afghan people but with the security policy of the authorities in Kabul. He said Islamabad wants Afghan territory to be prevented from being used for cross-border attacks.\n\nThe Taliban government has repeatedly denied the allegation. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said a day earlier that Kabul wanted continued dialogue and security cooperation with Pakistan and did not allow armed groups to use Afghan territory against other countries. The competing statements come as border tensions and militant violence in Pakistan continue to strain relations.