Islamabad: Pakistan has announced that its border crossings with Afghanistan will remain closed until further notice due to prevailing security concerns, Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi said on Friday.
Addressing the weekly press briefing, Andrabi emphasized that “the safety of Pakistani citizens is more important than trade activities.” He noted that the recent escalation in cross-border tensions had compelled authorities to maintain strict border controls.
The spokesperson confirmed that during talks held in Doha, Pakistan and Afghanistan reached an understanding and signed a joint document, extending the existing ceasefire between the two countries. “Whether the Afghan Taliban government chooses to recognize this agreement or not makes little difference, what matters is maintaining peace along our shared border,” he added.
Andrabi further stated that the second round of bilateral talks will take place in Istanbul tomorrow, continuing discussions from the Doha negotiations. Issues related to border management, counterterrorism cooperation and the movement of goods and people are expected to dominate the agenda.
India-Afghan Relations and Gaza Truce
Responding to a question about India’s reopening of its embassy in Kabul, Andrabi remarked that it was “a bilateral matter between India and Afghanistan,” adding that Pakistan does not comment on the internal affairs of other nations. However, he noted that “India’s role in Afghanistan has not always been constructive in the past.”
Turning to the Middle East, Andrabi strongly condemned Israel’s ongoing actions in the occupied Palestinian territories, calling them “a blatant violation of international law.” He welcomed the International Court of Justice’s latest ruling obligating Israel not to obstruct humanitarian assistance, noting that it was “the fourth such decision against Israel since January 2024.”
He added that the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and several Muslim countries had issued a joint statement following the ICJ ruling, “strongly condemning any attempt to annex occupied Palestinian territories into Israel.”
Torkham Reopening
Earlier it was decided to open the Torkham crossing, the main transit point between Pakistan and Afghanistan, a day after Pakistan and Afghanistan agreed to an immediate ceasefire in Doha.
All the necessary preparations were made, scanners were delivered to the Torkham Terminal for clearing cargo vehicles, and all staff was instructed to attend their designated duties
