ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan has reached the limit of its patience with cross-border attacks originating from Afghan soil, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said on Friday, warning that the country would not allow trade or transit to continue if it put the lives of Pakistanis at risk.
“We cannot let trade become a license to kill Pakistanis,” he stressed, noting that recent attacks on civilians, security forces and traders crossed a red line.
The spokesperson stressed that the closure of border crossings and suspension of trade with Afghanistan is a direct response to the continued support of elements of the Afghan Taliban regime for terrorist groups, including Fitna al Khwarij and Fitna al Hindustan.
Andrabi stressed that the success of regional projects such as TAPI, CASA1000 and UAP depends on Afghanistan’s ability to stop this support and prevent attacks on Pakistan.
Pakistan has welcomed offers of mediation from regional players, 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 the schedule and not Pakistan’s non-cooperation.
He stressed that Pakistan remains open to dialogue, but concrete steps and invitations from these countries are awaited before formal engagement can take place.
A high-level Turkish delegation including its foreign ministers, defense ministers and intelligence chief is scheduled to visit Islamabad as part of ongoing efforts to seek rapprochement between Pakistan and the Taliban regime.
Responding to questions on the Afghan Commerce Minister’s visit to India, Andrabi noted that Pakistan respects Afghanistan’s sovereignty and its bilateral commitments, but reiterated that relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan should be based on merit and not influenced by third party involvement.
On the India-Pakistan front, Andrabi took a cautious stance toward Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s statements, saying assurances that India would not engage in war “must be taken with a grain of salt” given the persistence of hostile rhetoric.
While acknowledging the role of the United States in easing tensions and President Trump’s claim to prevent another India-Pakistan conflict, the spokesperson said Pakistan remained vigilant in the face of persistent threats from Indian leaders.
On international issues, Pakistan reaffirmed its principled support for Palestine, voting in favor of the Gaza resolution at the UN Security Council despite abstentions from China and Russia.
Andrabi criticized Israel’s continued violations of ceasefire agreements and international law, calling on the global community to ensure the protection of holy sites, particularly the Al-Aqsa Mosque, and prevent further settler violence.
Pakistan reiterated its support for a just and lasting peace based on a two-State solution.
