Saudi Arabia has reportedly warned the Afghan Taliban against supporting militant groups accused of carrying out terrorist attacks in Pakistan, following the signing of major oil and gas agreements between Saudi and Afghan authorities.
According to the report, Saudi officials urged the Taliban to take steps to prevent groups including the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and other organizations from using Afghan territory to target Pakistan.
Saudi officials reportedly warned that continued attacks and support for militant groups could have consequences for future Saudi investment in Afghanistan. The warning comes as Riyadh and Kabul seek to expand economic and energy cooperation.
Saudi Arabia’s growing engagement with Afghanistan includes interest in the country’s natural resources and potential energy infrastructure projects. The development of commercial ties could bring significant investment to Afghanistan, but regional security concerns remain a major factor for foreign investors.
Pakistan has repeatedly raised concerns over the presence of militant groups operating from Afghan territory and has called on the Taliban authorities to prevent Afghanistan from being used as a base for attacks against Pakistan.
The reported Saudi warning indicates that security concerns could also influence the kingdom’s expanding economic relationship with Afghanistan. Any escalation in cross-border militancy could create additional challenges for major investment and infrastructure projects.
The Taliban has previously rejected accusations that it allows Afghan territory to be used against other countries and has maintained that it is committed to preventing security threats from its territory.
If Saudi Arabia links future investment decisions to regional security developments, the Taliban could face increasing pressure to address Pakistan’s concerns over militant activity.