Andrabi says Khawaja Asif’s statement reflects Pakistan’s disappointment over Afghan inaction against terrorists
ISLAMABAD:
The Foreign Office on Thursday urged Afghanistan to take decisive action against terror outfits operating from Afghan soil, stressing that while Pakistan sought peace and prosperity for Afghanistan, it would neither close the door to diplomacy nor escalate tensions into war.
“Diplomacy continues even in wars. Diplomacy continues even during skirmishes. So we would not shut the door of diplomacy, as much as we would not want to open the door of wars between our two brotherly countries. We wish peace and prosperity to our Afghan brothers and sisters. But we do not want their territory to be used against Pakistan,” said Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi during his weekly press briefing.
On a question related to Defence Minister Khawaja Asif’s statement that Pakistan could strike inside Afghanistan before the month of Ramzan, Andrabi said, “The statement of Defence Minister Khawaja Asif reflects deep disappointment in Pakistan that Afghan authorities have not taken any action against the terrorists operating on their soil against Pakistan. In the context of this statement, the views of the defence minister are fully comprehensible.”
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Andrabi referred to the latest United Nations Security Council (UNSC) report, which aligns with Pakistan’s narrative regarding the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Afghanistan. The report highlighted the Taliban’s provision of a permissive environment for terrorist groups, including TTP, and called attention to Al-Qaeda’s role in supporting other militant factions in Afghanistan. The UNSC also pointed out that TTP has been operating with increased freedom, conducting attacks inside Pakistan.
“The report corroborates Pakistan’s position that TTP resurgence is linked to the post-2021 interim government takeover,” Andrabi said. He added that the government would follow up with the UN Secretariat, the Security Council, and international stakeholders to address these issues.
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The spokesperson also addressed recent statements from the Indian External Affairs Ministry following the Islamabad blast, condemning what he described as India’s “tacit justification” of terrorism when it targeted Pakistan.
Andrabi also pointed to the rising instances of lynching of Muslims in India, with at least 55 cases reported last year, accusing Indian authorities of complicity in these hate crimes.
“We conclude from these statements that India may oppose terrorism in all its forms, but it supports it when it takes place against Pakistan,” said Andrabi, calling for international oversight of these incidents.
Andrabi also reiterated Pakistan’s position on cricket diplomacy with India and noted that Pakistan’s participation in T20 matches with India reflected a commitment to keeping sport free from politicisation.
Pakistan to attend Board of Peace’s inaugural meeting
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Responding to a question, the spokesperson confirmed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif would attend the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace on February 19, alongside Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.
He further addressed a question regarding whether Field Marshal Asim Munir would join PM Shehbaz’s delegation for the Board of Peace, stating, “I do not have the details – neither on the itinerary nor on the composition of the delegation. This is the extent of information available at the moment. We will, of course, update you in due course.”
Andrabi reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to working with the collective voice of eight Islamic Arab countries on issues concerning Palestine.
“We have joined the Board of Peace in good faith. We are in it, not in isolation, not as one voice, but as a collective voice of eight Islamic Arab countries,” he remarked, underscoring Pakistan’s ongoing efforts for peace and prosperity in Palestine.
The spokesperson highlighted Pakistan’s support for diplomacy between Iran and the US, particularly regarding nuclear talks.
“Pakistan welcomes the talks in Oman between the relevant parties. We support all initiatives for dialogue and diplomacy to settle outstanding issues, including the nuclear talks,” he added.
Regarding recent diplomatic activities, Andrabi mentioned the successful visits of the Presidents of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, both of whom met with Pakistani leaders to discuss trade and cooperation, setting targets for US$2 billion and US$1 billion trade respectively.
Earlier, sources told The Express Tribune that PM Shehbaz is set to travel to Washington next week to attend the inaugural Board of Peace summit, as Pakistan intensified diplomatic outreach on Wednesday with Dar holding separate telephone conversations with his Turkish and Iranian counterparts amid evolving regional developments.
The sources said there is also a possibility of a bilateral meeting between PM Shehbaz and President Trump at the White House on the sidelines of the summit.
Pakistan’s participation reflects what officials describe as a cautious but proactive diplomatic posture as the country navigates shifting geopolitical alignments. They say Islamabad intends to use the platform to reiterate its stance on key international issues, including support for Palestinian self-determination, an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and a sustainable political solution based on international law.
Besides the Gaza peace plan, the prime minister is likely to discuss Iran-US tensions with President Trump, as Pakistan is among regional countries engaged with relevant players to ease tensions between Washington and Tehran.
