Islamabad: Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson Tahir Andrabi on Friday expressed optimism about the next round of talks between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban, scheduled to begin on November 6, saying Pakistan remains committed to a peaceful resolution through dialogue.
“Pakistan will continue its engagement in the mediation process and hopes for a positive outcome from the November 6 talks,” Andrabi said during the weekly press briefing.
He recalled that the second round of talks between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban, held under mediation in Istanbul, concluded Thursday evening. “Pakistan participated in the Istanbul talks, which began on October 25, with sincerity and a positive spirit,” he added.
Efforts Toward Amicable Settlement
Andrabi said the talks, initially planned for two days, were extended to four days as Pakistan made earnest efforts to reach an amicable understanding with the Taliban regime.
He underlined that Pakistan engaged positively without compromising its firm stance that Afghan soil must not be used for terrorism against Pakistan.
Call for Action Against Terror Groups
The FO spokesperson stressed that Pakistan does not wish to escalate hostilities but expects the Taliban government to honour its international commitments and address Pakistan’s security concerns through “concrete and verifiable actions” against terrorist organisations, including Fitna-al-Khawarij (Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan) and Fitna-al-Hindustan (Balochistan-based groups allegedly backed by India).
Andrabi noted that Pakistan had consistently urged the Taliban authorities for over four years to take “decisive and effective measures” against terrorist outfits operating from Afghan territory. Despite sharing credible intelligence regarding the presence of militant leadership across the border, he said, terrorist attacks in Pakistan had increased.
Pakistan Responds to Border Aggression
He pointed out that the Afghan Taliban’s continued disregard for Pakistan’s security concerns and the recent “unprovoked aggression” on October 11–12 and 14–15, supported by Fitna-al-Khawarij, led to violent exchanges along the border.
“Pakistan decisively responded to Afghan provocations aimed at destabilising the border areas and facilitating terrorism,” Andrabi said, warning that any future provocations would also be met with a firm response.
Commitment to Regional Peace and Connectivity
Reaffirming Islamabad’s commitment to a peaceful and stable Afghanistan, Andrabi said Pakistan envisions a regionally connected and prosperous Afghanistan that maintains harmony with its neighbours.
“With the Taliban’s takeover in August 2021, we had hoped to see regional peace and connectivity materialise,” he said, adding that Pakistan had taken several initiatives this year to support Afghanistan, including extending trade concessions and upgrading diplomatic relations from charge d’affaires to ambassador level.
He further mentioned Pakistan’s willingness to include Afghanistan in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and highlighted Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar’s visits to Kabul, including one on July 17 to sign a feasibility agreement for the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan Railway Project.
Acknowledgment of Mediators’ Role
Andrabi appreciated the “constructive role” played by Qatar and Turkiye in facilitating peace efforts, acknowledging their contributions toward achieving a mutually acceptable solution.
He concluded by reaffirming that Pakistan’s government and armed forces remain fully prepared to defend the country’s sovereignty and ensure the security of its people.
