Pakistan has announced the temporary closure of Afghan border crossings, citing heightened security concerns along the frontier.
During his weekly media briefing in Islamabad on Friday, Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi said the decision was taken “in view of last week’s security situation,” emphasizing that “saving the lives of ordinary Pakistanis is more important than the movement of goods and trade.”
He noted that while the closures may affect cross-border trade, protecting citizens remains the government’s top priority.
The spokesperson confirmed that the second round of Pakistan-Afghanistan talks will take place tomorrow (Saturday) in Istanbul, Turkiye, as a follow-up to the Doha peace discussions.
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Andrabi said the meeting aims to build on the ceasefire agreement signed in Doha on October 19, which marked a “positive development” in bilateral relations. He added that Qatar’s mediation efforts in facilitating peace talks were “commendable.”
“Pakistan is hopeful that Afghanistan will not allow its territory to be used against Pakistan,” Andrabi stated, adding that peace efforts will be intensified following the ceasefire.
Pakistan urges Afghanistan to fulfill Doha commitments
Reaffirming Pakistan’s stance as a responsible state committed to regional peace and stability, the spokesperson urged the Afghan Taliban authorities to uphold their commitments to the international community.
He called on Kabul to take verifiable action against terrorist organizations, including TTP and BLA, to address Pakistan’s legitimate security concerns.
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Andrabi said Pakistan also looks forward to the establishment of a verifiable monitoring mechanism at the upcoming Istanbul meeting to counter threats emanating from Afghan soil and prevent further loss of Pakistani lives.
Ceasefire, peace efforts welcomed
The Foreign Office welcomed the Pakistan-Afghanistan Peace Agreement signed in Doha, calling it the first meaningful step toward lasting stability in the region.
“Pakistan has always been and will remain a supporter of peace,” Andrabi said, expressing hope that the Afghan interim government would act responsibly and honor its commitments to regional peace.
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Responding to a question about India reopening its embassy in Afghanistan, the spokesperson said it was an internal matter between the two countries. However, he noted that India’s role in Afghanistan has historically not been positive and that Islamabad continues to monitor developments closely.
Pakistan’s position on Israel, Palestine reaffirmed
Speaking on the Middle East situation, Andrabi strongly criticized Israel’s continued violations of international law, stating that Pakistan will “continue to highlight these violations on global forums.”
He recalled that the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has issued four rulings since January 2024 directing Israel not to obstruct humanitarian aid to Gaza. The spokesperson said Pakistan supports the OIC’s joint statement condemning Israel’s annexation attempts in occupied Palestine and reiterated that the establishment of a Palestinian state remains the only path to peace.
Clarification on Kunar River issue
Addressing a question about Afghanistan’s objections regarding dams, Andrabi clarified that Pakistan will fully abide by international laws governing the Kunar River.
He said such disputes should be resolved through diplomatic engagement and mutual understanding, consistent with the spirit of regional cooperation.
