Islamabad (TDI): Pakistan has confirmed that diplomatic channels with Afghanistan remain open, with ongoing contacts between the two neighbours aimed at resolving security concerns, particularly cross-border terrorism.
During the weekly press briefing on Thursday, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (FO) spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi highlighted that the Taliban-controlled Afghan authorities must provide “written, verifiable, and concrete assurances” to prevent Afghan territory from being used for attacks on Pakistan. “Incidents of terrorism emanating from Afghanistan are a primary concern for Pakistan. Our demand is that Afghan territory should not be used against Pakistan,” he said.
The TTP issue continues to be a major source of tension in bilateral ties, Andrabi added, while noting that aside from terrorism, Islamabad and Kabul do not have any other major disputes. He emphasized that addressing cross-border terrorism would pave the way for a substantial improvement in relations. “Written assurances and practical steps to end terrorism will bring improvement in border and bilateral matters. Ensuring an end to terrorism is also in Afghanistan’s own interest,” he said.
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Pakistan’s recent security concerns follow a serious escalation along the border in October 2025, when several major crossings were closed after deadly clashes. Although a ceasefire was announced on October 19, trade and transit have yet to resume fully.
On the military front, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director-General Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said that Afghan Taliban forces had attacked Pakistani border posts earlier this week. “Whatever was needed was done, and a hard message was given,” he remarked, describing Afghanistan as “the centre of terrorist operations in the region.”
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Lt. Gen. Chaudhry said that a nexus involving the TTP, Fitna Al-Khawarij, and India is posing a serious threat to regional peace. He added that Pakistan remains committed to combating terrorism decisively. “We have to win the war against terrorism at all costs. We have to win this war with strength,” he said, recalling operations in October 2025 in which Pakistani forces targeted terrorist positions along the Afghan border.
The ISPR chief also referenced the 2020 US-Taliban Doha agreement, noting that despite assurances given at the time, Afghanistan continues to host militant groups, including Fitna al-Khawarij and Fitna al-Hindustan.
