Pakistan’s Foreign Office has expressed hope for a positive outcome from the next round of talks with the Afghan Taliban, scheduled for November 6 in Istanbul.
During the weekly press briefing on Friday, Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Andarabi said Pakistan would continue to play its role in the reconciliation process. “Pakistan hopes the November 6 talks will yield positive results,” he stated.
Andarabi reminded reporters that the second round of negotiations between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban government concluded Thursday evening in Istanbul, with mediators from Türkiye and Qatar present. He said Pakistan participated in the talks with sincerity and goodwill. Although the discussions were initially planned for two days, they were extended to four to make a serious effort toward mutual understanding.
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The spokesperson said Pakistan engaged the Taliban government positively but did not compromise on its clear position that Afghan soil must not be used for terrorism against Pakistan. He added that Pakistan seeks no further escalation but expects the Taliban to honor their international commitments and address Islamabad’s legitimate security concerns. “We expect concrete and verifiable actions against terrorist groups such as Fitnat al-Khawarij and Fitnat al-Hindustan,” he emphasized.
Andarabi noted that for the past four years, Pakistan has consistently urged the Taliban to take decisive action against terrorist organizations operating from Afghan territory. He said Islamabad had repeatedly shared credible intelligence about the presence of militant leaders inside Afghanistan. However, despite repeated assurances, terrorist attacks in Pakistan have increased.
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He added that unprovoked attacks from Afghan territory occurred in October, prompting Pakistan to respond firmly along the border. “Pakistan desires peace,” Andarabi concluded, “but will take every step necessary to protect its sovereignty and its people.” He also appreciated the constructive role played by Qatar and Türkiye in facilitating dialogue between the two countries.