- Afghan militant sanctuaries A major concern: FO.
- Said the deadline for repatriating refugees ended on June 30.
- Add the date of visit to Iran not officially confirmed.
Islamabad: the spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Shafqat Ali Khan, rejected reports concerning the possible recognition by the Taliban government by Pakistan in Afghanistan.
Speaking during the weekly press briefing Thursday, the SPOX said that terrorist sanctuaries operating from Afghan soil remain a constant source of concern for Pakistan.
Khan said that consultations were underway between foreign ministries in Pakistan and Afghanistan to finalize the visit of the Afghan Minister of Aftranes.
He added that preparations are underway, but media reports on the official recognition of the Taliban administration are premature and speculative.
FO’s spokesperson also said that the deadline for returning from the Afghan refugees recorded on June 30.
“Purchase proposals have been submitted to the government, but no decision has yet been made. The final authority on the issue lies in the interior ministry and relevant state institutions.”
Referring to the recent visit of the Minister of the Interior in Kabul, Khan said that this was of significant importance. During the visit, the two parties had detailed discussion on security and counter-terrorism, including the question of the presentation of Tehreek-E-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other activists.
He said the Afghan leaders responded positively to Pakistan’s concerns, and technical security dialogue is underway. A visible improvement in bilateral relations has been observed, and the two countries work to rely on this positive diplomatic trend.
Russia, earlier this month, officially recognized the Taliban government in Afghanistan, becoming the first country to do so.
No other country has officially recognized the Taliban regime which seized power in August 2021 while the forces led by the United States organized a chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan after 20 years of war.
However, China, the United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan and Pakistan all have ambassadors designated in Kabul.
American mediation?
On Iran, Khan said that Islamabad considered his relations with Tehran as multidimensional and centered on people. He expressed Pakistan support for diplomatic efforts to relaunch the Iranian nuclear agreement, saying that any resolution must be obtained through diplomatic channels.
He said that the date reported on July 26 for the Iranian president’s visit was never finalized and was speculative. The two countries will soon announce a mutually agreed date.
Regarding India, Khan has reiterated that Pakistan remains determined to solve all problems, including cashmere, by dialogue.
He expressed his confidence in Pakistan’s defense capacities, adding that any act of aggression would be greeted by a resolved response. “Pakistan is ready for significant negotiations, but India delay tactics are hampering progress.”
The spokesman has confirmed that no official proposal or place for American mediation has been received so far.
