Pakistani opposition leader says Afghanistan's economy better than Pakistan's amid border tensions

Maulana Fazlur Rehman, leader of Pakistan’s Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F), stated that Afghanistan’s economic situation has improved relative to Pakistan’s, as Pakistan grapples with deepening financial difficulties and rising emigration.

Speaking at a gathering in Rawalpindi, Rehman warned of collapsing business activity in Pakistan and criticized Islamabad’s policies toward Afghanistan as “complete failures.” He dismissed Pakistani claims that militants infiltrate from Afghan territory, noting the closure of key border crossings prevents even a single pomegranate from entering Pakistan. “If they are coming, stop them. If they are coming, eliminate them. The Afghan government has never objected to your actions,” he said. Rehman added that Pakistan’s foreign policy toward Afghanistan is dictated by the military establishment rather than the civilian government.

Pakistani officials have repeatedly alleged that attacks in Pakistan are planned from Afghan soil, claims consistently denied by the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA), which states Afghan territory is not used against other countries.

Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari echoed concerns about militants, warning that their presence in the region threatens global peace and describing conditions in Afghanistan under IEA authorities as “similar to or worse than pre-9/11.” Zardari made the remarks in a statement following a Daesh-claimed attack on an imambargah in Islamabad that killed dozens. He stressed that terrorism requires collective action beyond national borders.

Meanwhile, Tajikistan’s Foreign Minister Sirodjiddin Mukhriddin urged the international community to increase assistance to Afghanistan amid ongoing challenges. He highlighted active coordination between Tajik and Afghan law enforcement to curb rising armed attacks and criminal activity along their shared border, noting assurances from Afghan authorities to investigate and prevent further incidents.