The acting foreign minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, told Pakistani media that the Islamic Emirate had been mediating negotiations between the Pakistani government and Tahrik Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

In response to a question asked about the Islamic Emirate’s stance in case the negotiations failed, Muttaqi said that the current government would not allow anyone including the TTP to use Afghanistan soil against any country.  

“We will not allow anyone to abuse Afghanistan’s soil against others… (will not) allow Tahrik Taliban Pakistan and others because we have pledged it. When we make pledges, we remain committed to them,” he said.  

He also downplayed Daesh as “not a serious threat” to Afghanistan, saying that Kabul has taken strong steps toward countering the Daesh threats.  

Muttaqi said that the Islamic Emirate was making preparations for a more disciplined military.

“Afghanistan needs a small number of troops, not hundreds of thousands of troops ... We will try to collect and form a military from the committed, loyal ones, and those who love Islam and the country whether they are part of the former government or not,” Muttaqi said.   

In a separate interview with the BBC, Muttaqi said that the Islamic Emirate seeks to have positive relations with the world. Asked about Kabul relations with Delhi, Muttaqi said: “The policy of the current Afghan government is to have positive relations with all countries of the world...When we attended the Moscow conference, the representatives of India, Pakistan and other countries were present and tremendous talks were conducted. We hope to be not against any country.”