Pakistan Envoy Explains Afghanistan Conflict & Women Rights

In an interview with the French publication Opinion Internationale, Pakistan’s Ambassador to France Mumtaz Zahra Baloch discussed rising tensions with Afghanistan, women’s rights, relations with Europe, and Pakistan’s stance on the ongoing Middle East conflict. The interview was conducted by journalist Michel Taube and published on March 10, 2026.

Speaking about recent cross-border tensions, Baloch rejected the characterization of Pakistan’s actions as an attack on Afghanistan. She said Pakistani forces had conducted a targeted operation against militant groups allegedly operating from Afghan territory and responsible for attacks on Pakistani civilians and security forces. According to her, Pakistan had repeatedly urged the Taliban authorities to act against these groups since their return to power in 2021 but had received no effective response.

The ambassador stressed that Pakistan’s actions should not be viewed as a war between the two countries. She emphasized that Pakistan and Afghanistan share deep cultural and historical ties and that Pakistan has hosted Afghan refugees for decades during times of conflict.

Addressing border issues, Baloch stated that the frontier between the two countries is internationally recognized and defined by the Durand Line. She said Pakistan considers the border legally established under international law and does not view it as a point of dispute.

The ambassador also highlighted Pakistan’s position on women’s rights, noting that Pakistan operates under a constitutional system where women and religious minorities have legal protections. She contrasted this with the restrictions placed on women under the Taliban administration, particularly limitations on education and healthcare access for girls.

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Baloch said Pakistan has attempted to support Afghan women through scholarships and educational opportunities, allowing students to study in Pakistan. She also noted that Pakistan plans to host a conference through the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation focused on women’s education in the Muslim world.

On international diplomacy, she emphasized that Pakistan maintains strong relations with European Union member states and especially France. She called for international cooperation against militant groups operating in Afghanistan and urged support at the United Nations Security Council to designate certain groups as terrorist organizations.

Regarding tensions involving Iran in the Middle East, Baloch said Pakistan believes international law and state sovereignty must be respected at all times. She stressed that military actions not authorized by the United Nations raise serious concerns and warned that the global system based on multilateral cooperation is increasingly under pressure.

The ambassador concluded by urging the international community not to ignore developments in Afghanistan, warning that rising militancy there could threaten regional and global security if left unaddressed.