ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan has reached the limit of its patience over cross-border attacks originating from Afghan soil, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said on Friday, warning that the country will not allow trade or transit to continue if it puts Pakistani lives at risk.
“We cannot let trade become a licence to kill Pakistanis,” he stressed, highlighting that recent attacks on civilians, security forces, and traders have crossed a red line.
The spokesperson underscored that the closure of border crossings and suspension of trade with Afghanistan is a direct response to ongoing support by elements within the Afghan Taliban regime to terrorist outfits, including Fitna al Khwarij and Fitna al Hindustan.
Andrabi emphasised that the success of regional projects such as TAPI, CASA1000, and UAP hinges on Afghanistan halting this support and preventing attacks against Pakistan.
Pakistan welcomed offers of mediation from regional actors, including Turkey, Iran, and Russia, to resolve tensions with Afghanistan, but Andrabi clarified that the delay in the Turkish delegation’s visit is due to scheduling and not Pakistan’s non-cooperation.
He emphasized that Pakistan remains open to dialogue, but concrete steps and invitations from these countries are awaited before any formal engagement can take place.
A high-level Turkish delegation including its foreign, defence ministers and intelligence chief is due to visit Islamabad as part of ongoing efforts to seek a rapprochement between Pakistan and the Taliban regime.
Responding to questions about the Afghan trade minister’s visit to India, Andrabi noted that Pakistan respects the sovereignty of Afghanistan and its bilateral engagements, but reiterated that Pakistan-Afghanistan relations must be based on merit, not influenced by third-party involvement.
On the India-Pakistan front, Andrabi took a cautious stance regarding statements by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying assurances that India would not engage in war “must be taken with a pinch of salt” given the continuation of hostile rhetoric.
While acknowledging the US role in easing tensions and President Trump’s claim of preventing another India-Pakistan conflict, the spokesperson said Pakistan remains vigilant in view of ongoing threats from the Indian leadership.
Turning to international issues, Pakistan reaffirmed its principled support for Palestine, voting in favour of the Gaza resolution at the UN Security Council despite abstentions by China and Russia.
Andrabi criticised Israel’s continuing violations of ceasefire agreements and international law, calling on the global community to ensure the protection of holy sites, particularly Al-Aqsa Mosque, and prevent further settler violence.
Pakistan reiterated its support for a just and lasting peace based on a two-state solution.
