ISLAMABAD: Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi emphasized that Pakistan has consistently remained open to dialogue with any government in Kabul but firmly refuses to engage with terrorist groups.
During the weekly press briefing on Friday, Andrabi reiterated that while Pakistan has never declined discussions with Afghan leadership, it categorically rejects negotiations with terrorist organizations such as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) or the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA).
He noted that the third round of talks with the Afghan Taliban administration concluded on November 7 in Istanbul, commending the “sincere efforts” of mediators Qatar and Turkiye.
Andrabi highlighted that since the Taliban’s takeover in Afghanistan, there has been a significant surge in cross-border attacks on Pakistan. Despite enduring considerable military and civilian losses, he said Pakistan has exercised immense restraint to prevent the situation from worsening.
Pakistan, he explained, had hoped the Taliban government would eventually curtail such attacks and take concrete measures against the TTP. He lamented, however, that while Pakistan has maintained a constructive engagement with the Afghan Taliban administration by offering cooperation in areas like trade and humanitarian assistance, it has received only empty assurances instead of meaningful actions.
He underscored that both the TTP and BLA are recognized adversaries of Pakistan. Supporting or fostering such groups, through any means, positions those responsible as enemies of Pakistan and its people.
