Key Points
- Spokesperson Andrabi points to multiple terror incidents originating from Afghanistan
- Ceasefire with Afghan Taliban relates to cessation of terrorist attacks; recent TTP and Afghan attacks show it is not fully holding.
- India’s failure to share Indus Waters data is a treaty violation and risks “weaponization of water.”
- PM Shehbaz Sharif’s Bahrain visit focused on trade expansion, investments, and strategic cooperation.
- Pakistan reaffirms principled positions on IIOJK, Gaza, China’s One-China Policy, and strengthened ties with Russia and Azerbaijan
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has urged the international community to step up measures against terrorism, strongly condemning Thursday’s shooting in Washington, D.C., as an act of terror. Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi expressed condolences to the families affected by the incident.
In his weekly media briefing on Friday, the spokesperson, Andrabi, clarified that the ceasefire with Afghanistan does not refer to a traditional ceasefire between two states but to the cessation of terrorist attacks from Afghan soil.
He warned that recent attacks by Afghan Taliban nationals and TTP elements indicate the ceasefire is not fully holding. Pakistan’s security forces remain on high alert, and military preparedness is robust.
Indian Defence Minister’s highly provocative statement
Pakistan has once again denounced a statement by India’s Defence Minister, calling it highly provocative, deeply concerning, and a serious threat to regional peace and stability.
Tahir Andrabi emphasised that such rhetoric violates international law and could have serious consequences for bilateral relations and wider regional security.
The Spokesperson also highlighted concerns over India’s failure to share data under the Indus Waters Treaty, terming it a violation of the agreement and a potential act of “weaponization of water,” in breach of international humanitarian law.
On broader diplomatic activities, Andrabi noted Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif’s recent visit to Bahrain, where he received the Order of Bahrain (First Class) from King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. Discussions focused on increasing bilateral trade from USD 550 million to USD 1 billion, investment opportunities in multiple sectors, and strengthening people-to-people and strategic ties.
Pakistan also welcomed the visit of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Secretary, discussing trade, counter-terrorism, border security, and regional connectivity. Both sides agreed to enhance cooperation to promote mutual prosperity and regional peace.
The Foreign Office reaffirmed Pakistan’s principled stance on Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), condemning human rights violations, arbitrary detentions, and persecution of minorities in India. Pakistan reiterated support for a peaceful, just resolution of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with UN resolutions.
Recent attacks in Gaza
Regarding the Middle East, Pakistan condemned recent attacks in Gaza resulting in civilian casualties, reiterating support for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders.
Highlighting Pakistan’s growing international role, Andrabi announced the country’s re-election to the Executive Council of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) for 2026–2028, reaffirming confidence in Pakistan’s leadership in global disarmament efforts.
False narratives by Indian and Afghan Taliban accounts
On social media disinformation and cross-border propaganda, Andrabi condemned the spread of false narratives by Indian and Afghan Taliban accounts targeting Pakistan, emphasising ongoing measures to address the issue. He also clarified ongoing discussions regarding Afghan refugees awaiting repatriation to third countries and denied claims of Daesh presence in Pakistan.
One-China Policy
The Spokesperson reaffirmed Pakistan’s steadfast support for China’s One-China Policy, rejected the notion of any “two China” scenario, and condemned Japan’s recent remarks on Taiwan.
SCO framework to counter cross-border terrorist threats
On regional terrorism coordination, Andrabi highlighted multilateral and bilateral mechanisms involving Pakistan, China, and Tajikistan under the SCO framework to counter cross-border terrorist threats.
Pakistan confirmed productive bilateral engagements with Russia and Azerbaijan, covering trade, energy, regional connectivity, and investment projects. Discussions with Azerbaijan focused on oil pipelines, strategic cooperation, and expanding economic ties, while Russian engagements emphasized follow-up on projects in trade, education, and energy.
