Pakistan Reaffirms Border Policy Amid Afghan Terror Concerns, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi stated during the weekly press briefing, emphasizing Islamabad’s firm stance on security and trade with Afghanistan. Pakistan Reaffirms Border Policy Amid Afghan Terror Concerns also highlights the ongoing concern that Afghan soil continues to be used by terrorists for attacks against Pakistan.
Policy on Border Closure and Trade
Andrabi said Pakistan’s policy on border closure and trade remains unchanged due to the Afghan Taliban’s continued support for terrorist activities. “The Taliban must also prevent Afghan citizens from carrying out attacks inside Pakistan,” he said.
The spokesperson confirmed that trade with Afghanistan remains suspended as Afghan authorities persist in supporting terrorist networks. “Afghan territory is repeatedly being used for attacks against Pakistan, with Afghan citizens involved in cross-border terrorism,” he added.
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar’s EU Visit
He highlighted that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is currently visiting the European Union. During his visit, Dar participated in the 4th EU Indo-Pacific Forum and held bilateral meetings with EU officials. Andrabi said Dar also met the Hungarian foreign minister, signing a memorandum of understanding on student scholarships. Dar separately met with foreign ministers from Denmark, Slovenia, and the Netherlands.
Before the EU visit, Dar attended the SCO Heads of Government meeting in Moscow from November 17 to 18. There, he held meetings with Russia’s president, prime minister, and foreign minister, discussing bilateral relations and regional issues. Following the meeting, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation issued a joint declaration on economic cooperation.
Andrabi also condemned Israeli aggression in the occupied West Bank and the desecration of Al-Aqsa Mosque. He drew attention to recent arrests in India following the Red Fort bombings, noting that most arrested individuals were from Indian-administered Kashmir. He said India continues demographic changes in the Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, calling on the international community, including the United Nations, to address human rights violations in the region.
On Bangladesh, Andrabi described the death sentence for former Prime Minister Hasina Wajid as an internal legal matter under Bangladesh’s constitution. He welcomed Turkey’s decision to send a delegation to Pakistan, noting that delays were due to the vice-president’s foreign engagements. Several countries have suggested Pakistan facilitate mediation on Afghanistan.
Regarding the US, the spokesperson emphasized the credibility of the US president’s statement urging India to avoid war. He clarified that a US Congress report on the region is research-based and compiled from open sources. Pakistan appreciates the US president’s role and clarified its position on the Gaza resolution, highlighting points of similarity with China’s stance of abstaining.