Pakistan’s Foreign Office has confirmed that talks with the Afghan Taliban are currently taking place in Istanbul, urging the public not to pay attention to unverified statements circulating on social media.

During the weekly press briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi reaffirmed Pakistan’s clear stance that Afghan soil must never be used for terrorism. He said Pakistan has presented evidence-based demands through mediators, who are discussing every point with both sides. Andrabi added that the mediators have fully supported Pakistan’s position. He also mentioned that Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar visited Istanbul on November 3 and held discussions on various matters.

Andrabi stressed that any violation of the Indus Waters Treaty will not be accepted, calling water a “matter of survival” for Pakistan.

He said Pakistan has strongly condemned Israel’s violations of the Gaza ceasefire, describing the Gaza peace plan as an effort to achieve lasting peace. The spokesperson demanded the immediate withdrawal of Israeli forces from Palestinian territories.

The spokesperson further stated that the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) continue to suffer from Indian state-sponsored terrorism.

Andrabi also said that President Asif Ali Zardari delivered a key address at the Doha Conference, presenting Pakistan’s stance on the Kashmir issue. During the visit, the president also met with several world leaders and heads of state.

The Foreign Office announced that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is visiting Azerbaijan to attend events marking the 5th anniversary of Victory Day in Baku.