Islamabad has no bilateral dispute with Kabul apart from terrorism originating from Afghan soil. Pakistan demands verifiable written assurances from Afghanistan to stop cross-border attacks. The Foreign Office (FO) emphasized that resolving this issue could significantly improve bilateral relations.
The FO spokesperson said Pakistan does not wish to be hostile toward Afghanistan. Islamabad’s demand is simple: concrete action against terrorists using Afghan territory to target Pakistan. Officials reiterated that written commitments are essential before considering broader diplomatic or trade engagements.
Read more: Pakistan demarches Kabul over terror support
Tensions remain high following multiple cross-border strikes by Pakistan last year. Attacks targeted terror groups operating in Afghanistan, including camps of the Gul Bahadur group. Previous dialogues mediated by Qatar and Turkey failed to produce actionable results. Pakistan continues to highlight that the Afghan Taliban has harbored these groups since 2021.
The FO also stressed the potential for Afghanistan to become a hub for regional connectivity. Islamabad linked progress in trilateral talks with China and Afghanistan to Afghanistan’s written commitments on halting terrorism. Officials said diplomatic channels, including embassies and consulates, remain fully operational.
Read more: Afghan Taliban Harbours terrorists, warns Pakistan army chief
Pakistan insists that security concerns must be addressed to unlock broader cooperation. Written assurances from Kabul are a legal and practical prerequisite to enhancing economic, security, and regional ties. Until then, Pakistan’s engagement will remain conditional on concrete anti-terror actions.