ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan has reached the limit of its patience over cross-border attacks originating from Afghan soil, Foreign Ministry spokesman Tahir Andrabi said on Friday, warning that the country will not allow trade or transit to continue if it puts Pakistani lives at risk.
“We cannot let trade become a license to kill Pakistanis,” he stressed, highlighting that recent attacks on civilians, security forces and traders have crossed a red line.
The spokesman emphasized that the closure of border crossings and the suspension of trade with Afghanistan is a direct response to the continued support of elements within the Afghan Taliban regime to terrorist outfits, including Fitna al Khwarij and Fitna al Hindustan.
Andrabi stressed that the success of regional projects such as TAPI, CASA1000 and UAP depends on Afghanistan stopping this support and preventing attacks against Pakistan.
Pakistan accepted offers of mediation from regional actors including Turkey, Iran and Russia to resolve tensions with Afghanistan, but Andrabi clarified that the delay in the Turkish delegation’s visit is due to planning and not Pakistan’s lack of cooperation.
He emphasized that Pakistan remains open to dialogue, but concrete steps and invitations from these countries are awaited before a formal engagement can take place.
A high-level Turkish delegation including its foreign, defense and intelligence chief is to visit Islamabad as part of ongoing efforts to seek a rapprochement between Pakistan and the Taliban regime.
Responding to questions about the Afghan Commerce Minister’s visit to India, Andrabi noted that Pakistan respects Afghanistan’s sovereignty and its bilateral engagements, but reiterated that Pakistan-Afghanistan relations must be based on merit, not influenced by third-party involvement.
On the India-Pakistan front, Andrabi took a cautious stance on statements by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying assurances that India would not engage in war “must be taken with a grain of salt” given the continued hostile rhetoric.
While acknowledging the role of the United States in easing tensions and President Trump’s claim to prevent another India-Pakistan conflict, the spokesman said Pakistan remains alert to ongoing threats from the Indian leadership.
On international issues, Pakistan reaffirmed its principled support for Palestine and voted in favor of the Gaza resolution in the UN Security Council despite China and Russia abstaining.
Andrabi criticized Israel’s continued violations of ceasefire agreements and international law, and called on the global community to ensure the protection of holy sites, especially the Al-Aqsa Mosque, and prevent further settler violence.
Pakistan reiterated its support for a just and lasting peace based on a two-state solution.
