Islamabad Reaffirms Policy Amid Rising Cross-Border Att@cks
Pakistan has made it clear that it will not negotiate with any terr0rist group operating against the state. The Foreign Office (FO) issued this firm position during its weekly press briefing, addressing concerns about rising cross-border att@cks and the ongoing strain in relations with Kabul.
FO spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi said Pakistan has never refused dialogue with any government in Kabul. However, he stressed that engagement does not extend to groups such as the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) or the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA). According to him, these outfits are declared enemies of Pakistan and cannot be treated as political actors.
Collapse of Talks and Rising Security Concerns
The spokesperson revealed that the third round of talks with the Afghan Taliban collapsed in Istanbul on November 7. Andrabi acknowledged the efforts of Qatar and Turkiye, who attempted to mediate the process. He noted that since the Taliban assumed power in 2021, terr0rist att@cks on Pakistan from Afghan soil have increased sharply.
Despite multiple civilian and military losses, Andrabi said Pakistan exercised restraint and avoided actions that could escalate tensions. Islamabad had expected the Afghan administration to curb these groups and act against the banned TTP. However, he stated that Kabul continued to give verbal assurances without taking practical steps.
Accusations Over Terrorist Presence and ‘Refugee’ Cover
The FO criticized attempts by the Taliban administration to portray the presence of TTP and BLA elements inside Afghanistan as a “humanitarian issue.” Andrabi said these groups are being disguised as refugees to avoid accountability. He stressed that this narrative is misleading and undermines regional secu-rity.
Pakistan has offered to receive any Pakistani citizen currently in Afghanistan, provided the transfer occurs through formal border arrangements. Andrabi emphasized that handing individuals over at legal crossings is the only acceptable method, not sending them armed or equipped with sophisticated weapons.
Internal Unity and National Resolve
Addressing claims of internal differences within Pakistan’s Afghan policy, Andrabi said there is complete national consensus on the issue. He stated that everyday citizens are the primary victims of terr0rist elements, and Pakistan’s armed forces continue to make sacrifices to protect lives and property.
The FO reiterated that anyone sheltering or supporting groups like the TTP and BLA cannot be viewed as a well-wisher of Pakistan. Andrabi reaffirmed that Islamabad will take all necessary measures to safeguard its people and maintain territorial integrity.
A Key Moment in Pakistan–Afghanistan Relations
The statement marks a significant development in Pakistan’s regional policy. With rising cross-border att@cks and heightened secu-rity concerns, the FO’s stance signals a tougher approach toward groups operating from Afghan soil. The government maintains that dialogue remains open with Kabul but not with any organization involved in violence against Pakistan.
