KANDAHAR (HRNW): In a significant diplomatic shift following intense border skirmishes and precision airstrikes, the Taliban government in Afghanistan has formally expressed a desire to resolve the ongoing conflict with Pakistan through “dialogue.” Speaking at a high-stakes press conference in Kandahar on Friday, government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid emphasized that Kabul has consistently advocated for a peaceful resolution and remains committed to settling the current hostilities at the negotiating table. This overture comes at a critical juncture, as the regional security situation remains volatile following Pakistan’s targeted operations against insurgent sanctuaries across multiple Afghan provinces.
Despite the call for talks, the atmosphere remains charged with tactical friction. During the briefing, Mujahid revealed that Pakistani surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft are actively patrolling Afghan airspace “at this very moment.” He underscored that the persistent presence of these spy planes and aerial assets over Afghan territory remains a point of serious contention, even as Kabul attempts to pivot toward a diplomatic exit from the crisis. This dual reality—a public plea for negotiations coupled with claims of ongoing aerial incursions—highlights the fragile nature of the current standoff. While the Taliban’s spokesperson framed the situation as an opportunity for peaceful engagement, the continued military monitoring suggests that a formal de-escalation is yet to take full effect on the ground, leaving the international community watching closely for a definitive response from Islamabad.
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