Afghanistan on Friday reacted sharply over the presence of the Taliban leaders and fighters in Pakistan, saying it will pose “challenges” in ongoing peace efforts, Tolonews reported. 

The statement came from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in response to the viral video where the Taliban leader Mullah Baradar and other Mullah Fazl can be seen meeting Taliban insurgents in Pakistan. 

Afghan foreign ministry called it a “clear violation of Afghanistan national sovereignty," saying the continued presence of such elements in the neighbouring country will prolong the ongoing crisis and instability in the region. 

Closing safe havens for insurgents and terrorists in Pakistan will help end the ongoing crisis in Afghanistan, said the statement. Afghanistan also demanded Pakistan to prevent the use of its soil by militants against Afghanistan. 

Currently, a delegation of the Taliban’s political commission is in Pakistan to consult the progress in the intra-Afghan talks with Pakistan’s leadership and its cleric council that reside in Pakistan. The Taliban and the Afghan government took 23 days break from intra-Afghan talks to consult their respective leadership. 

Earlier, when the Taliban delegation landed in Pakistan, the Afghan government had said that they were aware of their trip and hoped that Pakistan will help reduce the violence in Afghanistan.