Pakistan has accused the Afghan Taliban regime of undermining mediated peace talks by failing to take “concrete and verifiable actions” against terrorist organizations operating from its territory, instead attempting to prolong a temporary ceasefire to avoid its responsibilities.
According to an official report today, a Foreign Office spokesperson stated that while Islamabad deeply appreciates the sincere mediation efforts of Turkiye and Qatar to resolve differences, its primary concern remains the persistent threat of terrorism emanating from Afghan soil, an issue that must be addressed first and foremost.
The official detailed that during the third round of Pak-Afghan talks, Islamabad engaged with a constructive approach to establish an effective monitoring mechanism. However, the Taliban regime was reportedly only interested in extending the ceasefire without tackling the TTP and BLA elements present in Afghanistan.
Islamabad claims the Taliban administration is attempting to misrepresent these militants as refugees. The spokesperson clarified this is not a humanitarian issue but a “ploy to frame terrorists as refugees,” adding that Pakistan is prepared to receive any of its citizens, provided they are handed over at the Torkham or Chaman border crossings and not “hurled across the border, equipped with weapons and equipment.”
The official provided context, stating that TTP terrorists fled to Afghanistan following Pakistan”s Operation Zarb-e-Azb in 2015, where they were abetted by the Afghan Taliban. These groups are now allegedly being harbored by the current Kabul regime as “a payback for their allegiance” and have established training camps to launch attacks in Pakistan.
According to the spokesperson, Pakistan has demanded the Taliban regime hand over these terrorists, but the request has been repeatedly refused under the pretext of a “lack of control.” Islamabad now views this as more of a “matter of intent” than one of capability.
Since the Taliban came to power, there has been a sharp surge in terrorist attacks against Pakistan. Despite suffering military and civilian casualties, Islamabad exercised maximum restraint and attempted positive engagement through bilateral trade concessions and humanitarian assistance. These gestures, the official said, were met with an unwillingness from Kabul to take decisive action.
The spokesperson asserted that Pakistan”s military response last month to consistent attacks was a “manifestation of the will and determination” to safeguard its territory and people.
He identified the TTP and BLA as “declared enemies of the State” and affirmed that any entity harboring, abetting, or financing them is not considered a friend of Pakistan. He stressed that the nation”s people and Armed Forces are united and resolute in their goal to eliminate terrorism and pursue its supporters.
The official reiterated that while Islamabad has never eschewed dialogue with any government in Kabul, it will not hold talks with any terrorist group.
The spokesperson also pointed to internal dynamics within the Afghan Taliban, suggesting the existence of a “strong lobby, with monetary support from foreign actors,” that has been tasked to stoke tensions, running counter to others who do not want a confrontation with Pakistan.
He emphatically rejected what he called misleading propaganda from elements in the Taliban regime about internal disagreement over Pakistan”s Afghan policy, stating there is “absolute clarity and unity” on the issue.
Furthermore, the official dismissed attempts by Kabul to instigate Pashtun nationalism in Pakistan, noting that Pashtuns are a vibrant and integrated part of Pakistani society. He advised the Taliban regime to instead focus on ensuring inclusivity for different segments of its own population within its governance structures.