Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson Tahir Andrabi stated that Pakistan has been urging the Afghan Taliban for the past four years to take decisive and effective action against terrorist groups operating from Afghan soil.
Demand for Action Against Terrorism
According to the spokesperson, Pakistan has repeatedly shared credible intelligence with the Taliban government regarding the presence of senior leadership of “Fitna al-Khawarij” and “Fitna al-Hindustan” inside Afghanistan. Expressing concern, he said that despite repeated assurances from the Afghan authorities, terrorist attacks originating from Afghanistan into Pakistan have continued to rise.
Unprovoked Aggression and Pakistan’s Response
The spokesperson voiced deep concern over Afghanistan’s continued disregard for Pakistan’s legitimate security concerns. He said that on October 11–12 and again on October 14–15, unprovoked aggression against Pakistan — carried out with the support of “Fitna al-Khawarij” — led to violent clashes along the international border. Andrabi made it clear that Pakistan responded firmly to these provocations, which aimed to destabilize border areas, promote terrorism, and advance “Fitna al-Khawarij’s” malicious agenda. He warned that Pakistan would respond strongly if such provocations continue in the future.
He further emphasized that Pakistan has always desired a peaceful, stable, and friendly Afghanistan that lives in harmony with its neighbours.
Improving Diplomatic Ties and Economic Cooperation
On Friday, FO spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said Pakistan hopes for a “positive outcome” from the next round of talks with the Afghan Taliban, scheduled to begin on November 6.
Highlighting past progress, he said both countries have agreed to upgrade their diplomatic representation from Chargé d’Affaires to ambassador level.
In a major economic development, Pakistan and Afghanistan have also agreed to extend the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) into Afghanistan. Andrabi mentioned visits by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar to Kabul, including his trip on July 17 for the signing of a joint feasibility study agreement on the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan railway project.
Protecting Sovereignty and Mediation Efforts
The spokesperson reaffirmed that Pakistan’s government and armed forces are fully prepared to take all necessary measures to protect the country’s sovereignty and ensure the safety and security of its people. He also appreciated the constructive and sincere efforts of brotherly countries Qatar and Türkiye for their role in promoting a peaceful and amicable resolution to the issue.
