Pakistan Reiterates Willingness for Dialogue with Afghan Government, Refuses Talks with Terror Groups

ISLAMABAD (MNN); Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi on Friday stressed that Pakistan has never avoided dialogue with any legitimate government in Kabul but categorically will not engage with terrorist groups such as Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) or Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA).

The remarks came following the third round of talks in Istanbul on November 7, aimed at curbing cross-border terrorism and consolidating a fragile ceasefire agreed upon after recent border clashes. Despite previous rounds in Doha and Istanbul, no final agreement has been reached, although Defence Minister Khawaja Asif stated that the ceasefire remains in place “for the time being.”

Addressing his weekly press briefing, Andrabi said Pakistan has repeatedly exercised restraint despite facing terrorist attacks from Afghan soil, suffering both military and civilian casualties. Pakistan has made efforts to engage positively with the Taliban regime, offering bilateral trade concessions and humanitarian assistance, but these gestures have largely been met with “hollow promises and inaction.”

He underscored that the TTP and BLA are officially declared enemies of Pakistan, warning that anyone harboring, funding, or supporting them cannot be considered a friend of Pakistan. Andrabi also criticized the Taliban for attempting to misrepresent terrorists as refugees, calling it “not a humanitarian issue but a ploy to shield terrorists.”

The spokesperson highlighted internal divisions within the Afghan Taliban, noting that some elements seek to avoid confrontation with Pakistan while others, supported by foreign actors, aim to stoke tensions. Andrabi condemned attempts to propagate Pashtun nationalism within Pakistan, emphasizing that the majority of Pashtuns reside in Pakistan and are an integral part of its society.

He stressed that terrorism emanating from Afghanistan has sharply increased since August 2021, and the Taliban cannot deny or evade responsibility. While Pakistan remains committed to dialogue for resolving bilateral differences, Andrabi stated that addressing cross-border terrorism remains a “core priority.”