Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada has said Afghanistan has no hostile intentions toward neighboring countries and seeks peace, reconciliation and mutual understanding, in remarks seen as an indirect reference to recent tensions with Pakistan.

In a newly released, undated audio recording, Akhundzada said Afghanistan`s neighbors should have no reason to fear the country, stressing that Afghanistan harbors "no ill intentions" toward anyone. He said countries seeking dialogue with Afghanistan could engage in negotiations "without any hesitation."

Emphasizing the Taliban`s independent decision-making, Akhundzada said Afghanistan seeks "peaceful coexistence, reconciliation and security" and that the Taliban government does not "act on the orders of others" but makes its own decisions.

His remarks come amid heightened verbal tensions between the Taliban and Pakistan. Islamabad has repeatedly accused the Taliban of allowing the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) to operate from Afghan territory and of supporting militant activities against Pakistan.