Pakistan Seeks No Hostility With Afghanistan, Demands Concrete Action Against Terrorism
ISLAMABAD
Pakistan has reiterated that it does not wish to pursue hostility with Afghanistan, emphasizing that its primary concern is preventing terrorism. The country has made clear that improvements in bilateral relations require concrete, verifiable, and written assurances from Kabul that Afghan territory will not be used to launch attacks against Pakistan.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Tahir Andrabi outlined the position during Thursday’s weekly briefing, highlighting that Islamabad’s concerns focus solely on security and are not rooted in political or ideological differences.
Security Concerns Drive Bilateral Relations
“Pakistan does not wish to be hostile to Afghanistan,” Andrabi said, adding that the government’s demand is straightforward: Afghanistan must stop terrorist groups and individuals from using its soil to carry out attacks on Pakistan.
He noted that Pakistan has no bilateral disputes with Afghanistan comparable to its tensions with India. Andrabi stressed that once terrorism concerns are addressed through credible assurances and tangible action, there is great potential for cooperation in trade, connectivity, and regional integration.
Diplomacy Remains Open
The spokesperson confirmed that diplomatic channels with Kabul remain active, with embassies and consulates operating normally. Pakistan continues to engage Afghanistan through regional forums, including the China-Afghanistan-Pakistan trilateral dialogue.
Andrabi welcomed positive statements from Kabul but emphasized that words must be matched by written, verifiable commitments. The lack of such assurances explains Pakistan’s caution despite its willingness to engage bilaterally and trilaterally.
Defence Ties With Saudi Arabia Clarified
Addressing speculation on defence cooperation with Saudi Arabia, Andrabi said Pakistan and Saudi Arabia maintain a strong, multifaceted relationship, including in defence. However, he denied knowledge of any specific deal involving JF-17 Thunder fighter jets or adjustments to financial obligations. He also dismissed reports of deploying additional Pakistani troops to Saudi Arabia, noting that any developments would be confirmed officially.
Rebuttal of Indian Allegations
Andrabi sharply rejected claims by India’s external affairs minister that Pakistan operates terrorist training centers in urban areas, calling them “irresponsible and misleading.” He accused New Delhi of attempting to deflect attention from its own actions, including alleged extrajudicial killings, interference in neighboring countries, and involvement in terrorism in Pakistan.
He also cited the Kulbhushan Jadhav case and accused India of providing safe havens for wanted criminals. On Jammu and Kashmir, he reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination, condemning India’s 2019 unilateral actions as “illegal occupation” and human rights violations.
Regional Diplomacy and China-Pakistan Cooperation
Andrabi highlighted Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar’s recent visit to China, where both sides reaffirmed support on core interests and agreed to upgrade the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to version 2.0. China acknowledged Pakistan’s sacrifices in the fight against terrorism and reiterated support for Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, urging visible action against terrorist groups operating from Afghan soil.
Indus Waters Treaty Concerns
The spokesperson also addressed Pakistan’s concerns over India’s reported actions affecting rivers governed by the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT). He reiterated that the treaty is a binding international agreement and that Pakistan will continue to raise any violations through diplomatic channels and international forums.
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