Key Points
- Islamabad, Kabul to meet in Istanbul on Oct 25 to finalise counterterrorism monitoring mechanism
- Islamabad condemns Israeli bid to extend “sovereignty” over occupied West Bank
- Pakistan, Poland ink MoUs to boost cooperation in trade, energy, and defence
- Pakistan expands outreach under “Engage Africa” policy
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Friday confirmed that the next round of Pakistan-Afghanistan talks will be held in Istanbul on October 25, focusing on establishing a verifiable monitoring mechanism to end cross-border terrorism and restore peace along the western frontier.
During the weekly briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said the Istanbul meeting follows the agreement reached in Doha on October 19, which Islamabad described as “a first step towards regional peace and stability.” The Doha talks, led by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, were aimed at halting terrorist attacks on Pakistan from Afghan soil.
“As a responsible state committed to regional peace and stability, Pakistan does not seek escalation but expects the Afghan authorities to take verifiable action against banned terrorist entities, including the TTP and BLA,” Andrabi told reporters.
Pakistan “deeply appreciates the constructive role of Qatar and Türkiye” in facilitating the process, and looks forward to strengthening the mechanism in Istanbul, according to the spokesperson. He reiterated Islamabad’s resolve to defend its territorial sovereignty and to maintain the suspension of transit trade with Afghanistan until credible assurances on cross-border security are established.
Warding off Indian Threat
Replying to a question regarding any Indian threat to forcefully annex Azad Kashmir, the Spokesperson said Pakistan has robust defence preparedness to thwart any such attack or to ward off any such threat.
Pakistan-Poland relations see renewed momentum
Andrabi detailed the visit of Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, who met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in Islamabad.
According to the spokesperson, both sides signed two memoranda of understanding to enhance cooperation in trade, energy, defence, education, and labour. At the same time, Poland reaffirmed its investment of over $500 million in Pakistan’s petrochemical sector.
The Prime Minister lauded Poland’s industrial advancement and invited Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk to undertake an official visit to Pakistan. Andrabi quoted the Polish Deputy Prime Minister as saying, “Poland is keen to share its expertise in water treatment and technology and appreciates Pakistan’s role in promoting regional stability and peace.
Phone diplomacy with Gulf and North African partners
The spokesperson said that the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held three key phone calls this week — with UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, and Morocco’s Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita.
The discussions, Andrabi said, focused on regional developments, particularly Gaza and Palestine, and reaffirmed the shared commitment to promoting peace and stability. The Moroccan Foreign Minister accepted Dar’s invitation to visit Pakistan.
Pakistan condemns Israeli annexation bid
On Palestine, Andrabi said Pakistan strongly condemns Israel’s attempt to extend its “so-called sovereignty” over parts of the occupied West Bank, terming it a flagrant violation of international law and relevant UN resolutions.
He welcomed the International Court of Justice’s advisory opinion reaffirming that Israel is legally obliged to facilitate humanitarian aid to Palestinians and cannot impose its domestic laws in occupied territories.
“Pakistan reaffirms its unwavering support for the Palestinian cause and calls for an independent, sovereign, and contiguous State of Palestine based on pre-1967 borders with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital,” Andrabi said. To a question about the Sharm el-Sheikh accord, the Spokesperson said it is time to translate that into a sustainable peace process that would lead to the creation of the state of Palestine, with al-Quds al-Sharif as its capital.
He noted that Pakistan joined OIC member states and the Arab League in issuing a joint statement condemning the Israeli Knesset’s approval of draft laws seeking annexation of occupied Palestinian lands.
Pakistan launches its first Hyperspectral Satellite
In a major scientific milestone, Andrabi announced that Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) successfully launched the country’s first Hyperspectral Satellite (HS-1) from China’s Satellite Launch Centre.
He said that the satellite will support precision agriculture, urban planning, environmental monitoring, and disaster management, enhancing Pakistan’s resilience to climate change.
Expanding ties with Africa and NAM participation
Highlighting Pakistan’s growing engagement under its “Engage Africa Policy,” Andrabi said Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan inaugurated the 5th Pak-Africa Trade Development Conference and Single Country Exhibition in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on October 16.
Over 110 Pakistani exporters participated, showcasing opportunities in agriculture, textiles, and technology. The minister also met the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssof, and extended an invitation for an official visit to Pakistan.
Andrabi further noted that Pakistan participated in the 19th Mid-Term Ministerial Meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in Kampala, Uganda, where Special Secretary Nabeel Munir reaffirmed Pakistan’s stance on self-determination for Kashmir and Palestine and condemned rising Islamophobia and war rhetoric in South Asia.
Congratulations to Japan’s new leadership
Concluding the briefing, the spokesperson extended Pakistan’s congratulations to Japan’s newly elected Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, affirming willingness to strengthen bilateral cooperation and friendship.
Context and Significance
This week’s briefing underscored Pakistan’s multi-pronged diplomacy — from counterterrorism cooperation with Afghanistan and engagement in the Middle East peace process to renewed partnerships in Europe, Africa, and East Asia. Analysts say the Istanbul meeting with Afghan representatives could be a defining moment for Pakistan’s regional security strategy.
