Islamabad says rising post-Taliban attacks leave no room for talks with TTP or BLA
The Foreign Office on Friday said trade with Afghanistan will remain suspended until all terrorist “safe havens” on Afghan soil are dismantled. “How and with whom to trade is a sovereign decision for every state. But trade or transit with Afghanistan will only be possible once all terrorist sanctuaries are eliminated. Human life is far more important than commerce,” the spokesperson said.
They added that terrorism inside Pakistan has risen since the Taliban’s takeover. Despite suffering financial and human losses, Pakistan has avoided retaliatory action in the expectation that the Taliban would curb militant activity.“Yet the Taliban’s claims and promises have remained purely verbal,” the spokesperson said.
Pakistan will not hold negotiations with terrorist organisations, including the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), both of which are considered enemies of the state. “The Afghan Taliban,” the spokesperson added, “continue to support groups opposed to Pakistan and have attempted to promote Pashtun nationalism within the country”.
The spokesperson stated that terrorism originating from inside Afghanistan has been justified by some individuals there. Currently, more Pashtuns are living in Pakistan than in Afghanistan. While Pakistan has not refused talks with any government in Kabul, it will not negotiate with terrorist organisations. The FO spokesperson confirmed that the second round of negotiations held with the Afghan Taliban regime concluded in Istanbul on November 7.
Read: G-11 courthouse suicide bomb handler confesses to Afghan links
Regarding recent terrorist attacks in Wana and Islamabad, the spokesperson said Afghan involvement must be investigated in Kabul, as Afghan nationals were implicated. Pakistan must take all necessary measures to protect its citizens. “These attacks illustrate the severity of the current situation in Afghanistan,” the spokesperson added.
In a joint operation, the Intelligence Bureau and Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) in Islamabad apprehended four terrorists with Afghan links on Friday, involved in the suicide attack at the Judicial Complex in G-11, Islamabad.
Andrabi also rejected India’s claims regarding nuclear tests. He described recent statements by former US President Donald Trump on nuclear tests as “false and baseless propaganda” and confirmed that Pakistan last conducted a nuclear test on 28 May 1999. He criticised India’s record on nuclear safety and security, noting that last year, Californium stolen from the Bhabha nuclear reactor was being sold on the black market, an issue that should be addressed by international agencies.
On the reported meeting between Sardar Yasir Ilyas, former President of the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Israeli Minister of Tourism Haim Katz, the spokesperson said there was no official information. If the meeting took place, it was without formal permission or government sanction.
Read more: Pakistan blocks Afghan fruit import via Iran amid border closures
The spokesperson criticised India, saying its leadership was using terrorism to divert attention from internal challenges. “This matter should be viewed through the lens of security and terrorism, not politics, regional issues, or Hindutva ideology. India is spreading misleading narratives after the blasts,” they said.
On Jordan’s King’s visit, the spokesperson said it would reflect bilateral relations and would likely include discussions on Palestine. Pakistan has not decided on joining an international stabilisation force in Palestine. As a member of the UN Security Council, any such decision will be taken in accordance with council guidance.
