Diplomatic contacts with Afghanistan remain active: Pakistan

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday said that Pakistan’s diplomatic channels with Afghanistan remain active, with contacts continuing between the two neighbouring countries.

Bilateral relations between Islamabad and Kabul have recently come under strain, with cross-border terrorism at the centre of tensions. Pakistan has repeatedly called on Afghan authorities to take verifiable steps to dismantle terrorist groups in Afghanistan and prevent the use of its territory for terrorism.

In October 2025, Pakistan closed several major border crossings after one of the deadliest military escalations in recent years. Although a ceasefire was declared on October 19, trade across the border has not yet resumed.

During a weekly press briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi emphasised that Pakistan does not interfere in Afghanistan’s internal affairs. While expressing concerns over cross-border terrorism, he said:
“Incidents of terrorism emanating from Afghanistan are a primary concern for Pakistan. Our demand is that Afghan territory should not be used against Pakistan.”

The spokesperson highlighted the need for action:
“We need written, verifiable, and concrete assurances from Afghan authorities. Without these written commitments, the issue of terrorism cannot be resolved.” He added that resolving terrorism would allow a significant improvement in bilateral relations. “Pakistan and Afghanistan do not have any other major bilateral disputes,” he said.

On Afghanistan’s regional role, he said: “Afghanistan has significant potential to become a regional hub.” He added: “Written assurances and practical steps to end terrorism will bring improvement in border and bilateral matters. Ensuring an end to terrorism is also in Afghanistan’s own interest.”

Regarding ongoing protests in Iran, the FO spokesperson said: “Pakistan does not comment on the internal situation in Iran, nor does it consider intervention appropriate. We strongly oppose any interference in the internal matters of any country, including Iran.”

Addressing recent hostilities with Afghanistan, ISPR Director-General Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said that the Afghan Taliban regime had attacked Pakistani border posts, and “whatever was needed was done, and a hard message was given.” He said: “Afghanistan has become the centre of terrorist operations in the region.”

Lt Gen Chaudhry also mentioned that the Afghan Taliban regime has found a “new hero” in the form of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said that the nexus between Fitna Al-Khawarij, TTP, and India became fully exposed in 2025, posing a serious threat to regional peace and security. “If Afghanistan and India wish to confront Pakistan, they are welcome to do so,” he added, “We will fulfil their desire.”

Reiterating Pakistan’s resolve against terrorism, he said: “We have to win the war against terrorism at all costs. We have to win this war with strength.” He noted that Pakistan had closed borders in the last three months and said: “There are many signs here for those who see and understand.”

Recalling the Doha agreement, the 2020 US-Taliban peace deal, Lt Gen Chaudhry said the Afghan Taliban had assured that terrorism would be eradicated from Afghan soil. However, he lamented that the neighbouring country remains a stronghold of Fitna al-Khawarij and Fitna al-Hindustan.

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