Afghanistan snubs Pakistani aid; tensions escalate in quake relief.
A 6.3-magnitude earthquake that rocked Afghanistan on Saturday claimed at least 1,000 lives and devastated numerous villages. When a further earthquake struck the area on Wednesday, there was additional damage.
Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar of Pakistan said that rescue and relief teams would be dispatched along with vital aid, and Pakistan quickly extended its help. However, Kabul’s refusal to grant clearance prevented the consignment and rescuers from being sent to Afghanistan. The Afghan denial appeared to be primarily motivated by the ongoing animosity between the two nations, despite the absence of formal communication from either side.
Another contributing factor was the Afghan government’s inability to distribute the aid delivered to Afghanistan by the international community.
However, it has come to light that the Afghan Taliban’s refusal to accept them was the primary reason Pakistan did not provide rescue and relief teams along with the aid.
Observers considered the development in the context of the ongoing hostilities between the two nations concerning the prohibited Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
Pakistan’s recent actions, which include the deportation of all unlawful Afghan immigrants, the imposition of limitations on Afghan imports, and the policy regarding visas for Afghans, have further complicated the relationship.
