ISLAMABAD: Amid rising border tensions with Afghanistan, Pakistan has handed over evidence-based demands to third-party mediators in Turkey, calling for concrete action to prevent Afghan soil from being used for cross-border terrorism.
In a briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi outlined the country’s position on the ongoing diplomatic negotiations, which involve Pakistani officials and Afghan Taliban representatives.
Andrabi confirmed that a Pakistani delegation, led by Additional Secretary Ali Asad Gilani and including the Director-General of ISI, Asim Malik, is currently in Istanbul. The delegation has shared comprehensive, evidence-backed information with mediators, who are now engaging in detailed discussions with the Afghan Taliban regarding Pakistan’s concerns.
Pakistan’s demands, according to the spokesperson, are clear and straightforward: the Afghan government must prevent its territory from being used by insurgent groups targeting Pakistan. The information presented to the mediators includes substantiated claims of terrorism and instability originating from Afghan soil.
Andrabi stressed that the negotiations are ongoing, and Pakistan will refrain from commenting further until the process reaches its conclusion.
In addition to addressing the border tensions, Andrabi rejected Afghanistan’s claims regarding recent incidents at the Chaman border, asserting that the gunfire had originated from Afghan forces. He also emphasized that any discussions about reopening the border would only occur once a positive review of the situation is conducted.
Throughout the briefing, Pakistan’s position on various regional issues, including the violation of the Indus Waters Treaty and the situation in occupied Jammu and Kashmir, was reiterated. Andrabi also reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for its air force, dismissing baseless claims from Indian media regarding downed aircraft.
The spokesperson concluded by addressing rumors of secret meetings between Pakistani and foreign intelligence agencies, labeling them as entirely false, and reaffirmed that any decision about sending peacekeeping forces to Gaza would be made by Pakistan’s parliament.
