The Taliban in Afghanistan has refused to accept donations from Pakistan for earthquake victims, according to the Pakistan-based The Express Tribune daily, Last Saturday, a 6.3 magnitude earthquake slammed Afghanistan, killing at least 1,000 people and devastating numerous towns. Another quake struck the region on Wednesday, causing further damage.

 

Pakistan has pledged its assistance to the country, with Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar announcing the dispatch of rescue and relief teams, as well as critical aid. However, the goods and rescuers were not sent to Afghanistan because Kabul refused to provide permission. Although neither party issued an official statement, the present hostility between the two nations appeared to be the primary cause for the Afghan refusal.

 

According to The Express Tribune, the major reason Pakistan did not deploy rescue and relief personnel and assistance was the Afghan Taliban's refusal to accept it. The event was considered in the light of the two nations' ongoing tensions over the proscribed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

 

Pakistan's recent steps, including the repatriation of all unlawful Afghan immigrants, a visa regime for Afghans, and limits on Afghan imports, have further strained bilateral relations.

 

At a weekly news conference on Thursday, Foreign Office spokesman Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said Pakistan felt deeply for its Afghan "brothers and sisters, who are in a very difficult situation following the earthquake that occurred a few days ago."

 

"Pakistan also stands in solidarity with its Afghan brothers and sisters, and remains in contact with the Interim Afghan Government to meet any needs that they may have during the relief and recovery efforts," she added, without explaining why Pakistan has yet to send aid to the neighboring country.

 

Meanwhile, the spokesman strongly criticized Israeli authorities' "indiscriminate and disproportionate" use of force on the civilian population in Gaza and demanded an immediate end of hostilities.

 

"We are deeply concerned about the rapidly deteriorating and dire humanitarian situation in Gaza as a result of Israel's inhumane blockade and collective punishment. The decision to cut off electricity, fuel, and water supplies is unjust and should be reversed, as it would have a significant impact on the lives of Palestinians living in the enclave," she said, according to Dawn.