Kabul Says Masood Azhar Isn’t Here, Pakistan Claim Left at the Border

The Taliban government in Afghanistan has rejected repeated claims from Pakistan that Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) founder Masood Azhar is operating from Afghan territory, with a senior official from Afghanistan’s Foreign Ministry stating that the militant leader is not currently in the country. Kabul has also reiterated its position that Afghan territory will not be used to carry out attacks or activities against other nations. The statement comes amid continuing tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan over allegations concerning militant groups operating across the border. Pakistan has for some time alleged that Azhar fled to Afghanistan and has been operating from there. Islamabad claims have gained additional significance as Pakistan faces international pressure, including scrutiny related to efforts to curb terrorist financing and take action against militant organisations and their leadership. Kabul latest denial directly contradicts Pakistan position and adds another layer to the already complicated relationship between the two neighbouring countries. While Afghanistan maintains that Azhar is not on its territory, Pakistan continues to associate his whereabouts with Afghanistan. The disagreement also highlights the broader challenge of establishing the whereabouts and activities of individuals linked to designated militant organisations in a region where government frequently exchange accusations over cross border militancy. For now, the competing claims remain unresolved publicly. Afghanistan has categorically denied that Masood Azhar is in the country, while Pakistan has maintained its allegation that the JeM founder moved there. The dispute is likely to remain closely watched as Islamabad continue to face pressure to demonstrate effective action against militant networks and their leadership, while Kabul seek to reject accusations that Afghan territory is being used against neighbouring states.