Afghanistan, Feb. 17 -- In a swift and pointed reaction to the contentious remarks made by Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, the Deputy Interim Foreign Minister of Afghanistan, Pakistan's Foreign Ministry has vehemently countered the Taliban's rejection of the Durand Line as the official border between Pakistan and Afghanistan. This rebuttal not only signifies a deepening of the diplomatic rift but also underscores Pakistan's concerns over the Taliban's narrative, which challenges the long-established demarcation line.

Pakistan's statement directly addresses media inquiries related to Stanikzai's comments, denouncing them as "self-serving and fanciful claims." By invoking "geography, history, and international law," Pakistan emphasizes the ...