Pakistan has expressed serious reservations over repeated border violations by the Afghan Taliban and Fitna al-Khawarij, reaffirming that the country has responded “befittingly” to recent acts of aggression launched from Afghan territory.
During his weekly media briefing, Foreign Office Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan said Pakistan was exercising its right to self-defense after foiling cross-border attacks while ensuring civilian safety.
“A temporary ceasefire of 48 hours was agreed upon at the request of the Afghan regime,” the spokesperson said. “The ceasefire will continue until 6pm today, and its purpose is to create space for constructive talks to find a workable solution.”
Ceasefire and diplomatic engagements
According to Shafqat Ali Khan, the ceasefire request came directly from Kabul, following escalating tensions at the border. “The matters for the ceasefire progressed and were settled after we received a formal request from the Afghan Taliban,” he added.
Rejecting claims that Pakistan initiated the truce, the spokesperson said, “To suggest that Pakistan asked for the ceasefire is an amateur statement.”
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He confirmed that direct contacts between Islamabad and Kabul had taken place during the escalation, with friendly countries also facilitating dialogue. Both embassies in Islamabad and Kabul remain functional, and ambassadors of both nations are present and active.
Pakistan rejects Afghan-Indian joint statement
The Foreign Office strongly rejected the joint statement issued by Afghanistan and India, calling it “highly irresponsible” and factually distorted.
“The joint statement wrongly showed occupied Jammu and Kashmir as part of India,” Khan said, adding that such actions are “tantamount to denying the rights of the Kashmiri people.”
He accused India of funding and supporting terrorist outfits, including the TTP and BLA, operating from Afghan soil. “India’s negative role and interference in South Asia are well-documented and known to everyone,” he stressed.
The Foreign Office spokesperson further said that there was no constitution in Kabul, and a group was in power there by force.
Concerns over terrorist elements operating from Afghanistan
Khan reiterated Pakistan’s deep concerns over the presence of Fitna al-Khawarij and Fitna al-Hindustan in Afghanistan, groups involved in cross-border terrorism.
“Pakistan has repeatedly conveyed to Kabul the need to eliminate terrorist elements from its soil,” he said, noting that Pakistan’s recent retaliatory actions were carried out with precision to avoid civilian harm.
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He further revealed that Pakistan is taking legal steps regarding the presence of Afghan citizens inside the country, in accordance with international norms and domestic laws.
Desecration of dodies and Afghan conduct condemned
The spokesperson condemned the desecration of bodies of Pakistani soldiers by the Afghan Taliban, terming the act “unbearable and inhumane.”
“We have raised this issue directly with the Kabul administration. Such behaviour is unacceptable under any circumstances,” Khan emphasized.
Pakistan’s stance on Afghanistan and regional peace
The Foreign Office clarified that Pakistan has no intention of downgrading diplomatic relations with Afghanistan and that regime change in Kabul is not Pakistan’s policy.
“It is for the Afghan people alone to decide their political future. Pakistan desires a peaceful, stable, and regionally connected Afghanistan,” Khan said.
He added that China also shares Pakistan’s concerns about the spread of terrorism in the region and supports efforts toward peace and stability.
Rejection of Afghan minister’s remarks on terrorism
Responding to statements by the Afghan Interim Foreign Minister that terrorism is an internal issue of Pakistan, the spokesperson dismissed the claim outright.
“Pakistan firmly rejects such assertions. Terrorist elements are operating from Afghan soil, and Kabul has the responsibility to act against them,” he stated.
He urged the Afghan spokesperson to refrain from commenting on Pakistan’s internal affairs, reiterating that Islamabad’s actions are guided by the principles of sovereignty and national security.
Hope for true Afghan representation
Concluding his briefing, Shafqat Ali Khan expressed optimism that the Afghan people will one day see a truly representative government in Kabul.
“We continue to hope for an Afghanistan governed by its people, free from the influence of external sponsors and extremist networks,” he said.
