Pakistan has called upon the Afghan interim authorities to make a clear and decisive choice regarding the future of bilateral relations, emphasizing that meaningful cooperation and improved ties cannot coexist with continued support or tolerance for terrorist organizations operating against Pakistan.
Addressing the weekly media briefing, the Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the Afghan authorities must determine whether they seek constructive and mutually beneficial relations with Pakistan or wish to continue maintaining links with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a group responsible for carrying out terrorist attacks against Pakistan.
The spokesperson underscored that sustainable progress in Pakistan-Afghanistan relations will remain unattainable unless the Afghan authorities decisively sever all ties with the TTP and take credible, verifiable action against terrorist elements operating from Afghan territory. Pakistan reiterated that eliminating terrorism is essential for regional peace, mutual trust, and long-term stability.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s principled position on humanitarian issues, the Foreign Office emphasized that Islamabad does not oppose international humanitarian or economic assistance to Afghanistan. On the contrary, Pakistan recognizes the importance of continued global support for the Afghan people in addressing humanitarian and economic challenges.
However, the spokesperson stressed that donor countries and international organizations should exercise robust oversight and accountability mechanisms to ensure that humanitarian and development assistance is utilized exclusively for the welfare of the Afghan population and is not diverted to finance or facilitate terrorist organizations, including the TTP or any other extremist groups.
Pakistan reiterated that the international community shares a collective responsibility to ensure that aid contributes to peace, reconstruction, and economic recovery rather than inadvertently strengthening militant networks that threaten regional and international security.
In addition to addressing regional security concerns, the Foreign Office strongly condemned recent attacks targeting commercial vessels transiting the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, describing such incidents as a serious violation of international law and established principles governing maritime security and the freedom of navigation.
The spokesperson emphasized that attacks against commercial shipping jeopardize global trade, regional stability, and the safety of international maritime routes. Pakistan reaffirmed its support for the protection of international sea lanes and called for adherence to international legal obligations to ensure the uninterrupted flow of global commerce.
Responding to media queries regarding reports of military protection for merchant vessels operating in the Bab-el-Mandeb region, the spokesperson stated that the Government of Pakistan currently has no information regarding any such security arrangements.
Addressing questions concerning Pakistan-Iran border activities, the Foreign Office confirmed that cross-border trade and commercial exchanges between the two neighboring countries continue to function normally. The spokesperson further clarified that the decision to keep border crossings operational for legitimate trade and economic activity does not constitute a violation of international sanctions or legal obligations.
Concluding the briefing, the Foreign Office reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to promoting regional peace, constructive diplomacy, counterterrorism cooperation, humanitarian responsibility, and the protection of international maritime security. Pakistan reiterated its resolve to work with regional and international partners to advance stability, strengthen economic connectivity, and combat terrorism in all its forms.
