Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry says terrorism remains the main hurdle in improving bilateral ties with Kabul, citing ongoing security concerns and cross-border threats.

Khan noted that while Pakistan has made diplomatic efforts to enhance ties with the Taliban government, the persistent security challenges pose a serious threat to progress. “We have tried to improve relations, but the main hurdle, as is evident, remains the security situation and the sanctuaries terrorists benefit from,” he said.

These statements reflect Pakistan’s ongoing concerns that militant activity inside its borders is being supported or enabled by elements operating from Afghanistan. Islamabad has previously accused the Taliban of failing to prevent extremist groups, particularly Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), from launching cross-border attacks.

Despite their shared interests in security and trade, both sides remain at odds over counterterrorism cooperation and intelligence sharing. Attempts at high-level dialogue have yet to produce substantial agreements on how to address cross-border militant threats.

For relations to meaningfully improve, analysts suggest both sides must increase transparency and coordination on security operations. As violence continues to hinder diplomacy, regional stability hinges on whether Pakistan and the Taliban can bridge their differences through credible actions and sustained dialogue.

Khalid Hanafi, a key figure in the Taliban regime, controversially stated that ‘non-Muslims are worse than animals’ in recent remarks.

These remarks, made during a recent meeting aimed at coordinating and training government employees, were widely shared on social media after being broadcast by the state-controlled National Radio and Television on April 10. Hanafi stated that non-Muslims were “worse than animals” and that employees under his ministry should be trained with “Islamic thoughts.”

Hanafi, a key figure in the Taliban regime since its return to power in August 2021, has previously drawn criticism for enforcing strict limitations on women and implementing controversial policies. His recent comments about non-Muslims have sparked further outrage, especially as religious minorities, including Hindus and Sikhs, have faced increasing challenges in Afghanistan in recent years.

These remarks have been met with widespread condemnation from various international human rights groups and religious organizations, which continue to call for the protection of religious freedoms in Afghanistan. The international community has urged the Taliban government to uphold the rights of religious minorities and ensure their safety and dignity in line with global human rights standards.

The Taliban’s policies have placed severe restrictions on women’s education and employment, significantly affecting their rights and opportunities. Women have been barred from attending secondary school and universities, with reports indicating that many young girls are being denied access to education, which has led to widespread frustration both within Afghanistan and abroad.

These restrictions are part of the broader pattern of gender-based limitations that have drawn widespread international condemnation, with human rights organizations urging the Taliban to reverse these policies and allow women to regain their fundamental rights.

The World Food Program (WFP) has expressed concern over declining global aid, particularly from the United States, and warned that the primary burden of this crisis falls on Afghanistan’s women and children.

This warning comes at a time when the United States has suspended its food aid to Afghanistan, citing concerns that the Taliban could exploit the assistance.

Reuters previously reported that the U.S. government plans to reduce foreign aid, including emergency food assistance, to Afghanistan and other countries.

In response to this decision, Cindy McCain, the head of the WFP, warned that cutting emergency food aid could be a “death sentence” for millions who are facing severe hunger.

Meanwhile, despite several promises, the Taliban has failed to take effective measures over the past three years to address the growing hunger crisis. In a recent Eid festival in Kandahar, Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada dismissed reports of poverty and hunger as “intelligence propaganda,” claiming that God created the poor and that no one is responsible for the poverty of citizens.

Poverty in Afghanistan has reached alarming levels, with over half of the population struggling to meet basic needs. According to the United Nations, nearly 19 million people in the country are food insecure, and millions are at risk of extreme poverty due to the ongoing economic crisis. The situation has been exacerbated by the lack of access to basic services and the impact of years of conflict.

The World Bank has also warned that Afghanistan’s economy is in severe decline, with per capita income falling dramatically. The country’s unemployment rate has soared, and inflation continues to erode the purchasing power of families. As the UN reports, over 90% of Afghans live below the poverty line, with women and children bearing the brunt of the crisis.