Kabul, October 19, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman has criticised Pakistan’s approach towards Afghanistan, accusing the government of disrupting trade, damaging businesses and undermining people’s livelihoods amid escalating tensions between the two neighbours.
Rehman said the conflict had brought commerce through Pakistan’s western border crossings to a halt, hurting businesses and weakening investor confidence. He also questioned Islamabad’s reported efforts to facilitate US investment in mineral resources in tribal areas, warning that such arrangements could expose the region’s resources to foreign influence, Afghanistan-based Tolo News reported.
“The conflict with Afghanistan has brought trade through Pakistan’s western crossings to a halt, destroying businesses and people’s sources of income,” Rehman said, adding that Pakistan’s economic and foreign policies were raising concerns among regional powers, including China and Russia.
He also questioned why Pakistani investors were moving their capital abroad while investors were reportedly considering opportunities in Afghanistan. Rehman said investors generally prioritised security, transparent business dealings and the rule of law, accusing the government of damaging Pakistan’s economy despite claiming to be protecting it.
His remarks come as relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan remain strained following repeated exchanges of fire and concerns over civilian casualties.
On October 12, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid accused Pakistani officials of undermining negotiations and focusing on public accusations rather than resolving disputes. In a statement on X, he rejected Islamabad’s criticism of Afghanistan and called for constructive steps to address regional tensions.
The latest exchange followed remarks by Pakistan Foreign Ministry spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan, who alleged on October 9 that the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and other armed groups were operating from safe havens in Afghanistan.
Khan said Pakistan had shared information about militant locations with Taliban authorities and urged them to prevent attacks originating from Afghan territory, according to Afghanistan-based Amu TV.
Taliban authorities have rejected Pakistan’s allegations that they are failing to prevent armed groups, particularly the TTP, from operating in Afghanistan.
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