Islamabad says increased post-Taliban attacks leave no room for negotiations with TTP or BLA
The Foreign Office said on Friday that trade with Afghanistan would remain suspended until all terrorist “safe havens” on Afghan soil are dismantled. “How and with whom to trade is a sovereign decision of each state. But trade or transit with Afghanistan will only be possible once all terrorist sanctuaries are eliminated. Human life is far more important than trade,” the spokesperson said.
They added that terrorism in Pakistan has increased since the Taliban takeover. Despite its financial and human losses, Pakistan avoided any retaliatory action in the hope that the Taliban would reduce their militant activities. “Yet the Taliban’s claims and promises have remained purely verbal,” the spokesperson said.
Pakistan will not negotiate with terrorist organizations including the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), both of which are considered enemies of the state. “The Afghan Taliban,” the spokesperson added, “continues to support groups opposed to Pakistan and has attempted to promote Pashtun nationalism in the country.”
The spokesperson said terrorism originating from Afghanistan has been justified by some people there. Currently, there are more Pashtuns in Pakistan than in Afghanistan. Although Pakistan has not refused to negotiate with any government in Kabul, it will not negotiate with terrorist organizations. The FO spokesperson confirmed that the second round of negotiations with the Afghan Taliban regime ended on November 7 in Istanbul.
Read: Suicide bomber at G11 courthouse confesses Afghanistan links
Regarding the recent terrorist attacks in Wana and Islamabad, the spokesperson said the Afghan involvement should be investigated in Kabul as Afghan nationals were involved. Pakistan must take all necessary measures to protect its citizens. “These attacks illustrate the seriousness of the current situation in Afghanistan,” added the spokesperson.
In a joint operation, the Intelligence Bureau and the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) Islamabad on Friday apprehended four terrorists with links to Afghanistan, involved in the suicide attack on the G-11 court complex, Islamabad.
Andrabi also rejected India’s claims regarding nuclear testing. He termed former US President Donald Trump’s recent statements on nuclear testing as “false and baseless propaganda” and confirmed that Pakistan last conducted a nuclear test on May 28, 1999. He criticized India’s record on nuclear safety and security, pointing out that last year, Californium stolen from the Bhabha nuclear reactor was sold on the black market, an issue that should be addressed by international agencies.
Regarding the reported meeting between Sardar Yasir Ilyas, former president of the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Israeli Tourism Minister Haim Katz, the spokesperson said there was no official information. If the meeting took place, it was without formal authorization or government sanction.
Learn more: Pakistan blocks import of Afghan fruits via Iran due to border closures
The spokesperson criticized India, saying its leaders were using terrorism to distract from internal challenges. “This issue should be seen from the perspective of security and terrorism, not politics, regional issues or Hindutva ideology. India is spreading misleading narratives after the blasts,” they said.
Regarding the Jordanian king’s visit, the spokesperson said it would reflect bilateral relations and would likely include discussions on Palestine. Pakistan has not decided to join an international stabilization force in Palestine. As a member of the United Nations Security Council, any such decision will be taken in accordance with the guidance of the Council.
