ISLAMABAD: Amid ongoing tensions between Islamabad and Kabul, Pakistan on Thursday once again called on Afghanistan’s interim Taliban authorities to take decisive measures against militant organisations allegedly operating from Afghan territory.
During his weekly media briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi stressed that Pakistan remains committed to diplomacy and has no intention of escalating tensions into conflict. “Diplomacy does not stop, even during wars or border skirmishes,” he remarked, adding that Pakistan desires peace and prosperity for the Afghan people.
Referring to a recent United Nations Security Council (UNSC) report, Andrabi said the findings reinforced Pakistan’s long-standing concerns regarding the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). According to him, the report highlighted that Afghanistan’s interim government continues to provide space for terrorist groups to operate.
He noted that the UNSC document also mentioned al-Qaeda’s role in supporting other militant organisations in Afghanistan and pointed out that the TTP has gained greater operational freedom, enabling attacks inside Pakistan. Andrabi said the report supports Pakistan’s view that the resurgence of the TTP is linked to developments following the 2021 takeover in Afghanistan. He added that Pakistan would raise the matter with relevant UN bodies, Security Council members, and other international stakeholders.
On a separate matter, the spokesperson confirmed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will attend the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace on February 19, accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. Andrabi said Pakistan joined the initiative in good faith alongside seven other Islamic countries and would continue advocating for peace and the rights of the Palestinian people.
Responding to remarks made by India’s Ministry of External Affairs after a recent blast in Islamabad, Andrabi said the statement appeared to justify terrorism under various pretexts and contradicted India’s stated opposition to terrorism. He alleged that while India claims to oppose terrorism universally, its stance changes when incidents involve Pakistan.
The spokesperson also raised concerns about violence against Muslims in India, stating that at least 55 Muslims were reportedly lynched last year. He described the incidents as part of a troubling pattern of hate-driven violence, allegedly enabled by local authorities and political actors. Andrabi urged the Indian government to investigate such cases and called on the international community to closely monitor the situation. He said the incidents reflected a broader climate shaped by extremist narratives portraying Muslims as outsiders.
When asked about former US President Donald Trump’s comments regarding last year’s 90-hour conflict between India and Pakistan, Andrabi said Pakistan appreciated the US role in helping prevent escalation. He also claimed that Pakistan had downed several Indian Rafale jets during the conflict, asserting that evidence was available through international sources and reports.
On the subject of Iran-US negotiations, Andrabi said Pakistan supports dialogue and diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving outstanding issues, including matters related to nuclear talks.
Addressing a question about Pakistan’s decision to play a T20 cricket match against India, he said the move demonstrated goodwill and followed diplomatic contacts involving Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. He added that the international cricket community recognises that politicising or weaponising sports undermines the spirit of the game.
Finally, he noted that foreign ministers from eight Muslim-majority countries issued joint statements condemning Israeli ceasefire violations in Gaza and settlement activities in the occupied West Bank. The statements reaffirmed support for the establishment of a Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with Jerusalem as its capital.