Pakistan’s presidential spokesperson Morteza Solangi has criticized former U.S. ambassador and Afghanistan envoy Zalmay Khalilzad over his recent comments concerning former Afghan military personnel and the Taliban.
Khalilzad shared a report about the alleged presence of former Afghan soldiers alongside Pakistan’s security forces in Balochistan and questioned whether former members of the Afghan military were fighting for Pakistan’s security apparatus in the province.
Responding to the post, Solangi said Khalilzad should clarify his position, arguing that he should explain whether he stands with the United States, where he previously served as ambassador to Afghanistan, or with the Taliban, the group that the United States fought and removed from power following the September 11 attacks.
The Pakistani official further accused Khalilzad of defending what he described as the Taliban’s “murderous regime.” Solangi also claimed that the Taliban administration has failed to comply with commitments under the agreement negotiated with Khalilzad when he served as the U.S. representative for Afghanistan.
Solangi emphasized that, in his view, Khalilzad cannot simultaneously support opposing sides in the Afghanistan dispute. He ended his criticism with the phrase, “You can’t have your cake and eat it too,” followed by a metaphor about feasting with the wolf and crying with the shepherd.
The exchange highlights continuing disagreements over the Taliban, former Afghan security personnel and Pakistan’s security situation, particularly amid allegations and counter-allegations concerning militant activity and cross-border security.