The European Union has clarified that its ongoing engagement with Afghanistan’s de facto authorities is strictly operational and does not constitute political recognition.

European Commission spokesperson Markus Lammert said the EU’s interaction with Afghan authorities is mandated by the Council and aligns with its established policy framework.

“This does not by any means constitute a recognition,” Lammert stressed, noting that the EU’s presence on the ground is aimed at facilitating contacts, monitoring the situation, supporting member states, and continuing humanitarian and technical assistance for the Afghan people.

He added that such operational engagement is consistent with Council conclusions first adopted in 2021 and reconfirmed in March 2023. According to Lammert, this framework continues to guide the EU’s approach, allowing practical engagement while avoiding formal recognition.

Former US special envoy for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad has accused Pakistan of continuing what he described as a long-standing “double game” in its relations with the United States, amid rising regional tensions involving Iran and Washington.

In a statement posted on social media, Khalilzad alleged that Pakistan’s military leadership may have quietly permitted Iranian military aircraft to use Pakistani airfields in an effort to avoid potential US strikes. He said that if the reports are verified, such actions would fit a broader historical pattern in Islamabad’s policies toward Washington.

“Working simultaneously with and against the US has been a pattern of Pakistani policies for the last 40 years,” Khalilzad wrote.

The former diplomat cited several examples to support his claim, including allegations that Pakistan reassured Washington it would not pursue nuclear weapons while continuing its nuclear program. He also accused Islamabad of cooperating with the United States after the September 11 attacks while simultaneously supporting militant groups fighting American forces in Afghanistan.

Khalilzad further referred to the 2011 killing of Osama bin Laden, noting that the al-Qaeda leader had been found living near a Pakistani military facility before he was killed by US special forces.

The comments come as diplomatic activity intensifies across the region amid heightened tensions between Iran and the United States, with Pakistan increasingly viewed as a key regional actor in ongoing security and political developments.

Pakistani authorities have not publicly responded to Khalilzad’s remarks.

The Islamic Emirate’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi has held talks with Bjørn Johansen, Norway’s newly appointed Special Representative for Afghanistan, focusing on political and regional developments.

In the meeting, Johansen said Norway maintains historic ties with Afghanistan and has consistently sought to play a constructive role in supporting stability in the country, Afghan foreign ministry said in a statement on Tuesday.

He noted what he described as noticeable progress in Afghanistan in areas including security, counter-narcotics efforts, and other sectors, adding that further cooperation should be expanded through the normalization of relations with the international community.

Muttaqi, welcomed Norway’s continued engagement and cooperation with the Islamic Emirate, saying that the current stability in Afghanistan should be utilized effectively. He also emphasized that progress made by the Afghan authorities could help broaden future cooperation.