- Afghan militant shrines are a major concern: fo.
- Says the refugee time limit ended June 30.
- Does Iran Visit Date do not officially confirm.
Islamabad: The Foreign Office’s spokesman Shafqat Ali Khan has rejected reports of Pakistan’s possible recognition of the Taliban government in Afghanistan as speculative.
SPOX, who spoke at the weekly press release on Thursday, said the terrorism shrines operating from Afghan Earth remains a constant source of concern for Pakistan.
Khan said consultations are underway between the Foreign Ministry in Pakistan and Afghanistan to complete the schedule of the Afghan Foreign Minister’s visit.
He added that preparations are going on, but media reports on official recognition of the Taliban administration are too early and speculative.
The FO speaker also said that the deadline for the return of registered Afghan refugees expired on June 30.
“A proposal for an extension to the government has been submitted, but no decision has been made yet. The final authority in the case lies with the Ministry of the Interior and relevant state institutions.”
With reference to the Minister of the Interior’s recent visit to Kabul, Khan said it was of considerable importance. During the visit, both sides held detailed discussions about security and terrorism, including the question of transferring Tehreek-E-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other militants.
He said the Afghan leadership responded positively to Pakistan’s concerns and dialogue at the technical level is underway. A visible improvement of bilateral connections has been observed and both countries are working to build on this positive diplomatic trend.
Russia earlier this month officially recognized the Taliban government in Afghanistan and became the first country to do so.
No other country has formally recognized the Taliban regime, which seized power in August 2021, when the US-led forces staged a chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan after 20 years of war.
However, China, the United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan and Pakistan, have all appointed ambassadors in Kabul.
American mediation?
At Iran, Khan said Islamabad considers his relationship with Tehran as multidimensional and human-centered. He expressed Pakistan’s support for diplomatic efforts to revive the Iran Nuclear Agreement and said that any decision must be obtained through diplomatic channels.
He clarified that the reported date on July 26 for the Iranian president’s visit was never completed and was speculative. Both countries will soon announce a mutually agreed date.
With regard to India, Khan repeated that Pakistan remains obliged to solve all questions, including Kashmir, through dialogue.
He expressed full confidence in Pakistan’s defense ability and added that any action action would be met with a resolute response. “Pakistan is ready for meaningful negotiations, but India’s delaying tactics hinder progress.”
The spokesman confirmed that no formal proposal or place has been received for American mediation.
