NextFin news, On Sunday, October 12, 2025, Pakistan summoned the Afghan envoy to its Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad in response to a joint statement issued during an Afghan delegation's visit to India that referenced the disputed region of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Pakistani government expressed its strong objection to the joint statement, which it viewed as interference in its internal affairs and a departure from Afghanistan's traditionally neutral stance on the Kashmir issue. The statement was issued during the Afghan delegation's official visit to India, where discussions included regional security and bilateral cooperation.
Pakistan's Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated that the summoning of the Afghan envoy was intended to convey Islamabad's serious concerns and to seek clarification on Afghanistan's position regarding Jammu and Kashmir. The spokesperson emphasized that Pakistan considers Jammu and Kashmir a bilateral issue between Pakistan and India and expects other countries to respect this stance.
The joint statement referenced Jammu and Kashmir in a manner that Pakistan perceived as aligning with India's position, which Islamabad strongly opposes. This development has added strain to Pakistan-Afghanistan relations, which have been complex due to security and political issues in the region.
Afghanistan's role and statements on Kashmir have been closely watched by Pakistan, given the geopolitical sensitivities and the ongoing conflict in the region. Pakistan's summoning of the Afghan envoy underscores the importance Islamabad places on maintaining its position on Kashmir and its expectation that neighboring countries refrain from statements that could affect regional stability.
The Afghan envoy was expected to provide explanations and assurances regarding Afghanistan's official stance on Jammu and Kashmir following the meeting with Pakistani officials. Both countries have historically engaged in diplomatic dialogue to manage their bilateral relations despite occasional tensions.
This incident comes amid broader regional dynamics involving India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, where issues of security, diplomacy, and territorial disputes remain highly sensitive and impactful on South Asian geopolitics.
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