Pakistani religious leader Fazlur Rehman, head of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F), said on Sunday that Pakistan’s long-standing policy toward Afghanistan has failed. He stressed that Islamabad has been unable to turn Kabul into a friend.

Speaking in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Rehman said the two countries must reassess their approaches and end rising tensions. He said he opposed any conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Rehman, who is seen as close to the Afghan Taliban, argued that Islamabad has not been able to improve relations with Kabul through diplomatic efforts. Referring to his recent visit to Afghanistan, he said he had completed his agenda there, but his efforts were not pursued further by the Pakistani government.

He also urged armed groups to end fighting and said Afghanistan should cooperate with Pakistan on this issue. His comments come amid heightened tensions between Islamabad and the Taliban following weeks of border clashes.

Pakistan accuses the Taliban of sheltering and supporting Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), an allegation the Taliban has repeatedly denied.