Key Points
- Pakistan links border reopening to Taliban action against terrorists using Afghan soil
- FO says trade suspension with Kabul stems from sustained cross-border attacks
- EU acknowledges Pakistan’s security concerns during Dar’s Brussels meetings
- Former PM Hasina verdict termed Bangladesh’s internal matter
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Friday linked the reopening of its border with Afghanistan to “verifiable action” by the Taliban administration against groups carrying out attacks from Afghan soil.
Foreign Office Spokesman cautioned that continued inaction from Kabul had left Islamabad with “no option” but to keep trade suspended.
Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi, speaking at the weekly briefing, said Pakistan had conveyed “in clear terms” that Afghan territory was being used for terrorism against Pakistan and that the Taliban government must prevent Terrorists’ cross-border attacks. He said the suspension of trade and tightened border measures were a direct response to the sustained terrorist threat, adding that the security of Pakistani citizens was “non-negotiable”.
He pointed to the government’s engagements with multiple international partners, saying several countries had encouraged efforts to mediate between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Turkiye’s diplomatic interest was welcomed, though Andrabi noted that the planned visit of a Turkish delegation had been postponed due to scheduling constraints on Ankara’s side. He stressed that despite the tensions, embassies on both sides remained functional and communication channels were open between Islamabad and Kabul.
The spokesperson underlined Pakistan’s broader diplomatic outreach, recalling Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar’s ongoing visit to Brussels for the EU Indo-Pacific Forum, where he met senior European officials and secured commitments on cooperation ranging from scholarships to regional security. He said the EU had recognised Pakistan’s concerns regarding terrorism emanating from Afghanistan.
He also summarised Dar’s stop in Moscow earlier in the week to attend the SCO heads of government meeting, where regional economic cooperation and Afghanistan’s stability featured prominently.
Turning to regional developments, Andrabi condemned Israeli military actions in the occupied West Bank and the desecration of Al-Aqsa Mosque. He accused India of weaponising law-enforcement cases to target Kashmiris, and reiterated Pakistan’s call for international scrutiny of alleged human rights abuses in occupied Kashmir.
Responding to a query on the death sentence awarded to former Bangladeshi prime minister Sheikh Hasina, Andrabi described the development as “an internal matter of Bangladesh”, adding that Dhaka was fully capable of addressing its political and legal issues within its constitutional framework.
On comments made by US President Donald Trump regarding India’s war posture, he said Pakistan considered the remarks credible, noting that the recent US congressional report referenced in discussions was a research-based document compiled from open sources.
Foreign Office Spokesperson said Pakistan has shut its border crossings and halted all trade with Afghanistan because the Afghan regime is supporting Fitna al-Khawarij, Fitna al-Hindustan and related terrorists groups. “The responsibility for the delay in reopening the borders lies with the Afghan Taliban, he said.
The spokesperson added that the Afghan Taliban must end its support for Fitna al-Khawarij, Fitna al-Hindustan and their affiliated terrorist organizations.
The state uses the term Fitna al Khwarij to refer to terrorists belonging to the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). It has also designated Balochistan-based groups as Fitna al Hindustan to highlight India’s role in terrorism and destabilisation across Pakistan. Similarly, the term ‘khwarij’ refers to Indian sponsored terrorists operating from Afghanistan’s territory.
Tahir Hussain Andrabi to a question added that Pakistan had explained its position following its vote in favour of the US resolution on Gaza at the United Nations, and noted that China — which abstained — had also publicly clarified its stance.
