Pakistan has reaffirmed that the Afghan border will stay closed until Kabul provides strong guarantees to stop terrorists from entering Pakistan. Officials stressed that the decision is based purely on security concerns. Moreover, they highlighted that Afghan nationals have previously been involved in various crimes inside Pakistan, which further justifies the government’s strict stance.
During a weekly press briefing, the Foreign Office explained that Pakistan has no dispute with the Afghan public and continues to consider them close neighbours. However, the spokesperson stated that border management depends on Afghanistan’s practical cooperation in ending cross-border militancy. Consequently, the closure will continue until firm assurances are given against the movement of violent groups.
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Furthermore, the spokesperson mentioned that Pakistan has always supported humanitarian corridors for Afghan civilians. Even so, he emphasized that such arrangements cannot replace the need for concrete steps to prevent terrorism. As discussions continue, Pakistan maintains that its primary responsibility is to protect its citizens and ensure national security.
In addition, the spokesperson addressed reports about discussions between Pakistan and Afghanistan in Saudi Arabia, saying the government is aware of the media coverage. He noted that a high-level Turkish delegation was expected to visit Islamabad, but possible scheduling issues or limited cooperation from the Taliban may have caused delays. Nevertheless, Pakistan insists that border decisions are based on internal security considerations.
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He also commented on developments in India, stating that Pakistan does not involve itself in agreements between other sovereign states. At the same time, he expressed strong concern over discriminatory policies targeting Muslims in India. As the anniversary of the Babri Mosque’s demolition approaches, he noted that the incident continues to cause pain and should be transparently addressed to protect religious harmony.