The interim Taliban government in Afghanistan has refused aid from Pakistan for the earthquake-affected individuals. This recent development is further evidence of the growing tension in the relationship between two terror friendly regimes.
Last week, a powerful earthquake struck Afghanistan, resulting in the loss of at least two thousand lives and affecting multiple villages. Subsequently, on Wednesday, another earthquake caused further damage.
The Prime Minister of Pakistan, Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar, promptly offered assistance by announcing the dispatch of rescue and relief teams. However, due to Kabul’s refusal to grant clearance, aid and supplies from Pakistan have not yet reached Afghanistan.
The exact reason for this denial has not been formally communicated by the authorities of both nations. However, the fundamental cause behind the Taliban’s rejection of aid appears to be related to the ongoing tensions between both the countries.
Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar’s Post as the reason
In response to the earthquake, Islamabad swiftly declared its intention to send assistance. They promised to provide 5,000 tents, 15,000 blankets for winter use, food supplies, medical equipment, and a team of doctors, along with transport aircraft.
Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority had prepared relief supplies and published details on its official website.
However, a few hours later, Kakar stated on the social media platform “X” that this assistance was being sent at the request of the Taliban.
The Taliban, on the other hand, has expressed skepticism about any formal request for aid. They claim that no official appeal for external assistance has been made thus far.