ISLAMABAD: The Foreign Office spokesperson has reiterated that Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban are not currently observing a formal ceasefire. He indicated that the situation remains tense, and only when Pakistan receives concrete written guarantees from Afghan authorities will there be progress toward peace.
In his weekly briefing, Tahir Andrabi, the Foreign Office spokesperson, disclosed that Pakistan has yet to review the draft resolution passed in Afghanistan. While he appreciated that Afghan officials have acknowledged the presence of terrorism within their borders, Pakistan continues to await the official draft. The need for written commitments from Afghan leadership remains a priority for Islamabad.
Andrabi also confirmed that the humanitarian aid convoy dispatched to Afghanistan is cleared from Pakistan’s side. It is now the Taliban’s decision whether to accept or reject the assistance. The move was made in response to the United Nations’ appeal, given the severe hardships faced by Afghan civilians. Pakistan’s diplomatic mission in Afghanistan remains active, likely providing updates on terrorist activities and their handlers.
The spokesperson condemned India’s recent provocative remarks and reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to defending its borders. He emphasized that the Pakistan Armed Forces are determined in their mission to protect the nation’s sovereignty and that propaganda cannot alter the facts. Pakistan continues to advocate for peaceful coexistence and will defend its independence at all costs.
He further accused India of ongoing state-sponsored terrorism against Pakistan, highlighting its support for extremist groups such as Fatahul Khawarij and Fatahul Hind operating in Afghan territory. Andrabi warned that India’s access to dangerous weapons through these terrorist networks cannot be entirely ruled out.
The spokesman expressed concern over India’s efforts to hinder the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) process. He pointed out that India has historically obstructed regional initiatives, especially regarding the situation in illegally occupied Kashmir. The situation in Kashmir remains grave, with hundreds of Kashmiris detained unlawfully in Indian prisons. According to UN reports, approximately 2,800 Kashmiris are currently imprisoned under illegal detention.
On the Gaza situation, Andrabi stated that Pakistan, along with seven other Islamic nations, issued a joint statement condemning Israel’s recent remarks on reopening the Rafah crossing. He clarified that deploying international peacekeeping forces in Gaza is a sovereign decision, which Pakistan has not yet made.
Finally, the spokesperson highlighted that Pakistan and the United Kingdom do not share a formal prisoner exchange agreement. Consequently, individual cases are addressed on a case-by-case basis, without a structured bilateral framework.
