Pakistan Links Ongoing Border Closure to Afghan-Based Terror Threat

Pakistan has reiterated its concerns over the Afghan Taliban administration, accusing it of allowing militant groups to operate from Afghan soil and launch attacks inside Pakistan. The allegations were highlighted during the weekly press briefing, where Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi said the continued shutdown of border crossings and suspension of bilateral trade stem directly from security threats originating in Afghanistan.

According to Andrabi, Pakistan’s actions are a response to the Taliban’s alleged support of groups involved in cross-border terrorism. “The delay in reopening the border crossings lies entirely with the Afghan Taliban regime,” he stated, stressing that the security situation has left Pakistan with limited options.

He also provided updates on Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar’s diplomatic engagements in Europe. Dar is currently attending the 4th EU Indo-Pacific Forum and has met senior EU officials, as well as the foreign ministers of Denmark, Hungary, Slovenia, and the Netherlands. During the visit, an agreement was signed with Hungary to expand student scholarship opportunities for Pakistanis.

Before traveling to Europe, Dar participated in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Heads of Government meeting in Moscow from November 17–18, where he engaged with Russian leadership and discussed regional economic cooperation and developments in Afghanistan.

The spokesperson additionally condemned Israeli actions in the West Bank and the desecration of Al-Aqsa Mosque. On India, he criticised New Delhi’s handling of arrests related to the Red Fort bombings and alleged efforts to alter the demographic structure of Indian-occupied Kashmir. He urged the UN and the international community to address ongoing human rights concerns in the region.

Despite border closures, Andrabi noted that diplomatic communication with Kabul continues, and he welcomed Turkey’s efforts to mediate Afghanistan’s political challenges.

Responding to recent remarks from US President Donald Trump regarding India and regional dynamics, Andrabi said Pakistan supports both US and Chinese positions on UN resolutions related to Gaza.