Pakistan has expressed deep concern over the persistent use of Afghan soil for planning and executing terrorist attacks, reaffirming that its border controls and the suspension of trade with Afghanistan will continue for now. At the weekly media briefing on Friday, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andarabi said that militant groups operating from Afghanistan are being supported by the Afghan Taliban, and Kabul must ensure its citizens do not engage in attacks inside Pakistan.
Andarabi said Afghan territory is repeatedly being used as a launching point for violence against Pakistan, which is why Islamabad was compelled to halt bilateral trade. He also noted that several countries have shown willingness to mediate between the two neighbours. Although Turkiye expressed interest in facilitating talks, a planned visit by a Turkish delegation had to be delayed due to the Turkish vice president’s commitments abroad. Despite tensions, he confirmed that embassies on both sides remain functional and communication channels are still open.
The spokesperson also highlighted Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar’s ongoing visit to the European Union, where he attended the 4th EU Indo-Pacific Forum and held meetings with a number of European leaders. During his meeting with the Hungarian foreign minister, both sides signed an MoU that will offer scholarships to Pakistani students. Dar also held discussions with the foreign ministers of Denmark, Slovenia, and the Netherlands.
Before travelling to Europe, Dar visited Moscow from November 17 to 18 to participate in the SCO Heads of Government meeting. Andarabi said the DPM met the Russian president, prime minister, and foreign minister during the trip. The SCO session focused on regional matters, including developments in Afghanistan, and concluded with a joint declaration aimed at strengthening economic cooperation.
Turning to developments in the Middle East, the spokesperson strongly condemned Israeli actions in the occupied West Bank and denounced the desecration of Al-Aqsa Mosque. He also criticised India for recent arrests related to the Red Fort bombing case, pointing out that many of those detained were residents of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. He said India continues attempts to alter the demographic makeup of the region, and urged the international community and the United Nations to take notice of the worsening human rights situation.
Responding to other international issues, Andarabi said Pakistan views former US President Donald Trump’s remarks about the Indian prime minister avoiding war as credible. He added that the recent US congressional report was based entirely on open-source research. On the UN vote regarding Gaza, Andarabi said Pakistan clarified its position after supporting the US-backed resolution, while China—though it abstained—also issued its explanation. He noted that Pakistan and China maintain largely aligned positions on key aspects of the matter.
