Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reaffirmed that there has been no change in Islamabad’s current policy toward Afghanistan, emphasizing that the country has yet to receive any written assurance from the Afghan Taliban authorities regarding verifiable action against Pakistani militant groups operating from Afghan territory.
Speaking during the weekly press briefing on Thursday, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi stated that Pakistan’s approach toward Afghanistan will remain unchanged until concrete and documented commitments are made by Kabul to address Islamabad’s security concerns.
According to the spokesperson, Pakistan has consistently urged the Afghan authorities to take effective and verifiable steps against militant elements using Afghan soil to launch attacks inside Pakistan.
“Pakistan has not received any written assurance from the Taliban government regarding action against Pakistani militants on Afghan territory,” Andrabi said, adding that Islamabad expects tangible measures to address cross-border militancy.
Responding to a question regarding remarks by Afghanistan’s Defence Minister, Mullah Yaqoob, who reportedly warned that Islamabad could face retaliation if Kabul were attacked, Andrabi rejected the suggestion and pointed out that Pakistan itself has been facing repeated acts of violence.
“Pakistan is already under attack,” the spokesperson said, referring specifically to the February 6 attack on a mosque in Islamabad, which he cited as an example of the ongoing security threats confronting the country.
The spokesperson reiterated that Pakistan remains committed to regional peace and stability but emphasized that the issue of terrorist sanctuaries and cross-border militant activity remains a major concern for Islamabad.
During the briefing, Andrabi also clarified reports regarding the recent visit of a three-member religious delegation to Afghanistan led by Maulana Fazlur Rehman Khalil. He emphasized that the visit was conducted in a personal capacity and was not undertaken on behalf of the Government of Pakistan.
“The individuals who visited Afghanistan are respected figures, however the visit was not organized or authorized by the Government of Pakistan,” Andrabi said.
He further noted that Pakistan’s policy toward Afghanistan has not undergone any major change, adding that border crossings between the two countries remain closed and that there have been no new developments regarding their reopening.
Responding to another question about potential communication concerning developments around the Strait of Hormuz, the Foreign Office spokesperson said he could not confirm specific diplomatic contacts but noted that Pakistan’s defense and military officials remain in communication with their Iranian counterparts on matters of regional importance.
The Foreign Office maintained that Pakistan continues to advocate for constructive engagement, regional stability, and decisive action against terrorism, while emphasizing that official diplomatic positions are communicated through formal state channels.
