ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has reiterated that it does not wish to escalate tensions with Afghanistan and remains hopeful for a “positive outcome” from the upcoming round of talks with the Afghan Taliban, scheduled to begin on November 6, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said on Friday.
Speaking at a weekly press briefing, Andrabi said the second round of Pakistan-Afghan Taliban talks concluded in Istanbul on Thursday after four days of discussions, despite being initially planned for two. “Pakistan participated in the Istanbul talks in a good spirit and with a positive intention,” he noted, adding that the extension was aimed at reaching an amicable agreement.
Andrabi emphasized that Islamabad expects the Taliban regime to honor its commitments and take “concrete and verifiable actions” against terrorist groups such as *Fitna-al-Khawarij* (the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan) and *Fitna-al-Hindustan* (a term used for Balochistan-based groups allegedly backed by India).
He stressed that Pakistan has consistently urged the Taliban over the past four years to act decisively against militant outfits operating from Afghan territory, sharing credible intelligence about their leadership and networks. However, he said, despite repeated assurances, attacks from across the border have continued, citing incidents of “unprovoked aggression” between October 11 and 15 that led to violent exchanges.
“Pakistan decisively responded to Afghan provocation,” Andrabi stated, warning that any future provocations would also be met firmly. He reaffirmed that Pakistan’s government and armed forces are “fully prepared to safeguard national sovereignty and protect its citizens.”
The spokesperson also discussed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent visit to Saudi Arabia, where he met Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during the Future Investment Initiative conference. The visit focused on strengthening bilateral relations and exploring investment opportunities.
