Amid ongoing bilateral tensions, Pakistan has reiterated its call for the Afghan Taliban regime to take “concrete action” against terrorist outfits operating from Afghan soil, while firmly stating it seeks diplomacy, not war.
Door to Diplomacy Remains Open
During a weekly press briefing in Islamabad on Thursday, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to peaceful dialogue. “Diplomacy continues even in wars. Diplomacy continues even during skirmishes,” he stated, clarifying that Pakistan “would neither shut the door on diplomacy nor open the door to war” with its neighbor.
Andrabi expressed Pakistan’s desire for peace and prosperity for “our Afghan brothers and sisters,” even as he pointed to a recent United Nations Security Council (UNSC) report. He stated the document supports Pakistan’s stance, highlighting that the interim Afghan government provides a “permissive environment” to groups like the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and al-Qaeda.
UN Report Corroborates Security Concerns
The spokesperson detailed that the UNSC report notes the TTP enjoys “greater operational liberty and support” from Afghanistan, leading to attacks inside Pakistan. “The report corroborates Pakistan’s position that TTP resurgence is linked to post-2021 interim government takeover,” Andrabi said, adding that Pakistan is following up on the findings with the UN and international stakeholders.
Regional and International Issues Addressed
The briefing also covered several other key points:
- Gaza Peace Board: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will attend the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace on February 19, representing a collective voice of eight Islamic nations striving for Palestinian rights.
- Criticism of India: Andrabi condemned a statement from India’s External Affairs Ministry following a recent blast in Islamabad, suggesting it reflected “an undertone of justification of terrorism.” He also highlighted the lynching of Muslims in India, calling for investigations and international monitoring.
- Appreciation for US Role: Regarding former US President Trump’s comments on a past India-Pakistan conflict, Andrabi expressed appreciation for the US role in preventing war, claiming Pakistan had shot down Indian Rafael jets with evidence corroborated internationally.
- Support for Diplomacy: Pakistan supports Iran-US dialogue initiatives, including on nuclear talks, and explained its decision to play a T20 cricket match against India as a move against the “weaponisation and politicisation of cricket.”
The comprehensive briefing underscores Pakistan’s efforts to navigate complex regional security challenges through diplomacy while holding firm on its core security demands regarding terrorist safe havens in Afghanistan.
