Former Afghan Ambassador to Pakistan, Atif Mashal, responded to Pakistani Military Regime’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif’s tweet, in which Asif blamed Afghanistan for the killing of Chinese nationals in Tajikistan. Mashal said the international community is well aware of where terrorist networks were historically established.
According to Mashal, in today’s world, Afghanistan is no longer a hub for proxy groups; rather, its geography is now recognized as a center for connectivity.
In response to Khawaja Asif, Mashal wrote that repeating old narratives in the current context shows a lack of understanding of present realities.
He stated that regional stability is a priority for Afghanistan’s national interests, just as a stable Afghanistan benefits the region as a whole.
Mashal emphasized that Afghanistan’s relationship with China is based on mutual trust, respect, and long-term partnership, and that Chinese citizens live safely in Afghanistan.
He also stressed that Afghanistan is currently entering a constructive phase of trust and cooperation with Tajikistan.