Pakistani Cleric Fazl Rahman Urges End to Desire to Dominate Afghanistan

Fazl Rahman, leader of Pakistan's Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam party, said that until Pakistan removes the idea of dominating Afghanistan from the minds of its officials, the situation will not improve.

Rahman made the remarks during a press conference in Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. He criticized Pakistan's diplomatic failures with Afghanistan over the past 77 to 78 years, urging a focus on relations with the Afghan nation rather than foreign influences.

He warned against falling into cycles of regime change in Afghanistan and blindly following U.S. policies, emphasizing the need for Pakistan to support a free, stable and independent Afghanistan.

The comments come amid ongoing border clashes between Pakistani forces and Taliban fighters that have stretched into their fifth week. Both sides have claimed heavy casualties, though these figures remain unverified.

Pakistan had announced a temporary ceasefire for Eid al-Fitr at Saudi Arabia's request, but it was violated. Following the breach, Pakistan resumed missile launches and carried out an airstrike on a Taliban post in Dehdadi district, Balkh province.